Rene Bourque clears waivers, sent to minors

Montreal Canadiensforward Rene Bourque has cleared waivers, and will join the Hamilton Bulldogs ofthe AHL.

Bourque was placed on waivers Sunday night in a sign that the Canadiensmay have had enough with the inconsistent winger, who has only two assists and no goals in 13 games this season.

The Habsacquired the 32-year-old in a trade that sent Mike Camalleri to the Calgary Flames during the 2011-12 season. The move, which sawCamalleritraded mid-game,has not worked out for the Canadiens.

Since the deal, Bourque has played 141 regular-season games for Montreal. He registered only 21 goals and 18 assists during that span.

He did show his potential during the Habs' run to the Eastern Conference final last season, scoringa team-leading eightgoalsin17 playoff games.

But with a cap hit of $3.3 million US, no teams were interested in claiming Bourque off waivers.

There is still hope for theLac LaBiche, Alta.,native. According to Montreal head coach MichelTherrien, the stint in theAHLis intended to allowBourqueto find his game again.

Here's a look atBourque's best performance with the Canadiens a hat trick in Game 5 of last season's Eastern Conference final.

• On mobile and can't see the video? Watchhere