The Edmonton Oilers are facing a challenging period, grappling with injuries to their star players. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, arguably two of the finest talents in the hockey world, have been sidelined, leaving the rest of the team scrambling to fill the void. In their absence, some Oilers have risen to the occasion, while others have faltered.
Evan Bouchard, the dynamic defenseman, is at the center of this narrative. Often considered the third-most important player on the Oilers' roster behind McDavid and Draisaitl, Bouchard has had a mixed season.
Despite what some might call a down year, he boasts an impressive +15.3 net rating, tying him with Adam Fox for the sixth-best among defensemen. With 64 points, he's right up there with Lane Hutson, holding the fourth-best tally.
Yet, Bouchard's performance has notably wavered without his star teammates. In the six games the Oilers have played without McDavid and Draisaitl, Bouchard managed only one positive game score, achieved against Los Angeles on April 5th.
His presence in games like those against Seattle on March 27th and Anaheim on April 7th was underwhelming, along with a shaky outing against Calgary, even with Draisaitl back in the mix. True to his resilient nature, Bouchard turned the tide with an outstanding performance during McDavid's return, logging 28:15 minutes in a crucial victory over St.
Louis.
As an offensive defenseman with a knack for maintaining possession, Bouchard's success is intertwined with the superstars he supports. Just as he helps elevate McDavid and Draisaitl, their presence elevates his play.
However, his struggles in their absence raise some eyebrows. Ideally, Bouchard would be the kind of player who shines regardless of who’s on the ice with him.
These concerns, while valid, are not overwhelmingly dire. With McDavid and Draisaitl set to return in full force for the playoffs, the Oilers are poised to unleash their fearsome trio.
Last season, Bouchard showcased one of the most impactful playoff runs by a defenseman, proving his worth when it truly counts. Together, Bouchard, McDavid, and Draisaitl form a nearly unbeatable trio come playoff time.
However, as the offseason approaches, questions linger regarding Bouchard's value, especially with a considerable pay increase on the horizon. The Oilers must consider how comfortable they are with potentially shelling out $10 million a year for a player who appears to thrive specifically when flanked by elite stars.
While criticism about his defensive lapses may be exaggerated, they are not entirely unfounded. As the Oilers weigh their options, Bouchard's future remains an intriguing subplot in their ongoing quest for dominance.
