ATLANTA (September 11, 2006) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Alex Bourret, the team's first-round selection, 16th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Alex is an offensively gifted player who has proven all that he can in junior hockey and is ready to compete at the professional level," said Waddell. "He has a great deal of potential and we look forward to his continued development as he fights for a spot on our roster and earns his way to the NHL."

Bourret (pronounced BUHR-ray) led Shawinigan and shared eighth in the QMJHL with 114 points (44 goals, 70 assists) in 67 games last season. The 19-year-old forward topped the Cataractes and ranked seventh in the QMJHL in assists, while placing second on the club and tying for 12th overall in goals. He set career highs for goals, assists and points in 2005-06, and was named a Second-Team QMJHL All-Star for the second consecutive season. He added four goals and three assists for seven points in seven playoff games.

The 5-10, 215 pound right wing notched 291 points (110 goals, 181 assists) and 472 penalty minutes in 258 career regular-season games over four junior seasons with Sherbrooke, Lewiston, and Shawinigan. The native of Drummondville, Quebec, collected 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) and 59 penalty minutes in 34 career QMJHL playoff games. He ranked seventh in the league with a team-best 86 points (31 goals, 55 assists) in 65 games with Lewiston in 2004-05.

Bourret has represented Team Canada twice in international competition, including the 2003 Junior World Cup for players 17 and under, and the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.