Quebec-born journeyman forward Gabriel Bourque, who began the season in the minor leagues, will don an “A” on his chest for the third consecutive game Wednesday when the Avalanche hosts the Montreal Canadiens.
Bourque, 27, is coach Jared Bednar’s second choice to replace Nathan MacKinnon as alternate captain. MacKinnon will miss his seventh game with a shoulder injury Wednesday and fellow forward Blake Comeau will miss his third straight with a lower-body injury. Comeau previously replaced MacKinnon with the “A” and Bourque has stepped into the leadership role for Comeau.
“I never really expected the A, especially after the start of this season,” Bourque said after Wednesday’s morning skate at the Pepsi Center.