 After completing his second season with 62 points in 58 games, Bournival was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the 3rd round (71st overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.On November 11, 2010, the Avalanche traded Bournival to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Ryan O'Byrne.During his final season in 2011–12 as captain with the Shawinigan Cataractes, Bournival was signed to a three-year entry level contract with the Canadiens on December 21, 2011.