Dallas Stars forward Mavrik Bourque makes big change regarding his career before the season

The Dallas Stars are heading into training camp with plenty of attention on their younger players, and one forward, Mavrik Bourque, made a decision that could shape his career.

Mavrik Bourque enters this season on a one-year contract, but his choice to switch player agents has already added intrigue around his future in Dallas.

This is not the kind of move fans usually see in headlines, but it matters. Representation often signals intent, and for a young forward still carving out his role, it can be a sign of where he sees himself long-term. At only 23 years old, Bourque has time, but the pressure is already rising.

According to The Hockey News via Yahoo Sports, Bourque left Dom De Blois of Meridian Hockey and is now represented by Oliver Fortier of Wasserman Hockey. That same agency manages stars like Noah Dobson and Alexis Lafrenière, showing just how competitive the environment can be.

Mavrik Bourque is betting on himself with the Dallas Stars

The timing of this move is striking. Bourque signed a one-year, $950,000 deal in June after putting up 11 goals and 25 points in 73 games during his first full NHL season. Those numbers are solid for a rookie, but they left many wondering how much upside he really has at the highest level.

In the AHL, Bourque was dominant, winning both the Les Cunningham Award and the John B. Sollenberger Trophy as MVP and scoring champion. But in Dallas, the depth of the roster under Pete DeBoer often pushed him into fourth-line minutes.

"I felt like I was playing not to make mistakes instead of showing what I could really do," Bourque admitted last year in a candid conversation with media.

Now with Glen Gulutzan stepping in as head coach, the opportunity looks different. The Stars are thinner on the left side, and Bourque's ability to play both center and wing makes him a versatile option.

"This is the year he has to prove he belongs in the top nine," analyst Craig Ludwig said on the DLLS Stars Podcast.

Switching agencies right before a contract year suggests Bourque is thinking carefully about his next step. It may be about negotiating leverage, or simply about making sure the right people are in his corner as he tries to break into a bigger role. I think it shows he's ready to take control of his career.

Training camp will give him the chance to prove it. If Bourque can find consistency, he could quickly change the perception of his value inside the organization.