Edmonton Oilers' defender Evan Bouchard making another notable impression in the teams' spring games.
Edmonton's Defensive Maestro Making Waves
From the bustling city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the heart of the NHL, Evan Bouchard is rewriting the script for defensemen. Known for his jaw-dropping shots, exceptional vision, and unmatched playmaking abilities, this Oilers' prodigy stands out amidst the chaos.
But there's more to Bouchard than meets the eye, a steadfast composure seldom seen in the game's fiery arena. "Sometimes a little too relaxed," chuckles Leon Draisaitl, a fellow Oiler. "His calm demeanor when he has the puck gives our team a sense of security—there's a lot of trust in him."
This relaxation hasn't hindered Bouchard's success on the ice. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 18 goals and a staggering 64 assists, racking up 82 points in just 81 games. Taking the playoffs by storm, he added a further 32 points (6 goals, 26 assists) in 25 games, culminating in the team's nail-biting Game 7 Stanley Cup final.
Bouchard's proven mettle doesn't stop there. In just 60 playoff games, he's become the second-fastest defenseman in the NHL history to reach 50 career playoff assists, trailing only Boston Bruins' legendary Bobby Orr. Adding to that, Bouchard was averaging 1.11 post-season points per game in his career before the recent series, with only Orr's jaw-dropping 1.24 points per game beating that mark.
"It's just a cool thing," speaks Bouchard humbly of being mentioned alongside Orr's legacy. The soft-spoken, few-words defenseman has definitely earned his spot in hockey history.
But Bouchard's story isn't just about his racking points. In the 2024-25 season, his numbers took a dip, scoring 67 points in 82 games. However, in the playoffs, he showed a remarkable resilience, scoring 7 goals and assisting 15 more in just 19 games before the recent series.
Captain Connor McDavid praised Bouchard's improvement in defensive detail, while teammate Adam Henrique lauds the young defenseman's all-around game growth. Bouchard may have a strong offensive side, but according to his teammates, it's his sharp defensive plays that make the real difference.
"Big-time player," echoes defenseman Mattias Ekholm. "He shows up in the big moments... Its what's most impressive about him."
Despite his modest demeanor, Bouchard is well aware of his progression. "A little slow start, but I like where I'm at right now and still more to give." This self-awareness and relentless pursuit for improvement are evident in Bouchard's determination to lead the Oilers to victory this season.
As the franchise vies for its sixth Cup and an end to Canada's title drought since 1993, Bouchard's composure, versatility, and heart will undoubtedly be essential components of the team's success. "It's the most fun time of the year," Bouchard grinned, ready to bear down for the greatest moments ahead.
This report was first published on June 12, 2025 by The Canadian Press, written by Joshua Clipperton.
Despite his impressive offensive record, Bouchard's teammates credit his defensive plays for making a significant difference, anticipating his contributions to be crucial in the Oilers' bid to end Canada's sports drought during the 2025-26 hockey season. With the Stanley Cup playoffs around the corner, the news of Bouchard's development and the potential impact he could have on the team's anticipated success continues to circulate among hockey fans worldwide.
