This underrated Dallas Stars forward was just picked as a breakout candidate - fans need to pay attention

In a recent piece from The Hockey News, writer Justin Giampietro singled out Bourque as the Dallas Stars' top breakout candidate.

That offensive upside hasn't fully shown up on the NHL stat sheet yet. In 2024-25, Bourque posted 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points across 72 games. On the surface, those numbers look modest, but considering he averaged only 12:41 of ice time per game, it's clear much of his production came in limited opportunities.

Even with a top-heavy lineup featuring Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen, Bourque has carved out a role with his hockey IQ and puck retrieval skills.

He's not the flashiest player, but his vision, awareness, and willingness to play without the puck have quickly made him a coach's favorite. That kind of foundation is often what earns younger players more minutes and responsibilities as they grow.

Giampietro added, pointing to the possibility that Dallas could reward Bourque with additional ice time this season.

If that happens, his impact could grow quickly. Bourque has the potential to become a reliable middle-six forward and an important piece on special teams. I think even a small step forward could see him move into a regular role on the second power-play unit or penalty kill, areas where the Stars are always looking for stability.

The Hockey News also gave an honorable mention to Lian Bichsel, another prospect who could play a bigger role in 2025-26. With Bourque and Bichsel developing, Dallas may already have its next wave of impact players quietly emerging.