Oilers’ Evan Bouchard Becoming Undeniable: Thank Goodness That Trade Never Happened…

Evan Bouchard is one of the NHL’s most elite offensive defencemen. He’s been overlooked because of his perceived defensive warts, but what he’s doing this season suggests Norris Trophy talk is already pigeonholing him. Perhaps calling him the NHL’s top defenseman is too small a description for his dominance. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic writes, “However good you think Evan Bouchard is, he’s better. Way better if you don’t think he’s awesome, and better even if you do.”

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The Edmonton Oilers blueliner has six goals through four games, the most in the NHL. He’s got 11 points, second-most, behind only Connor McDavid’s 12. Only one other defenceman has scored that many through his first four games of a season: Harry Cameron, in the league’s first year. Fans already knew Bouchard was elite offensively. This is ridiculous.

Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that the Oilers are outscoring opponents 11-1 at five-on-five with Bouchard on the ice. He also relayed a text from someone who skipped the Norris debate entirely and went straight to the Rocket Richard Trophy. “I was just laughing,” Friedman said. “The thing about this, though, is: how is this guy not going to get 100 points this year?”

Wheeler added that Bouchard is “the best player in the NHL through four games this year.” He pointed out that shots are 41-19 with Bouchard on the ice at 5-on-5. Scoring chances are 42-11. Goals are 11-1. Expected goals are 4.0-1.4.

Babcock Unlocking Bouchard’s Potential

Regardless of what his haters say, Bouchard isn’t just a defenceman who scores. He’s a top-line driver who happens to play the back end. He’s elite, and Mike Babcock said he’s been pushing Bouchard to keep getting better.

“I didn’t know he was this good, this talented, saw this many plays, moved the puck as good as he does,” said Babcock after Bouchard scored two goals and an assist against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. “In saying that, I’ve talked a lot to Bouch about it. Bouch can be way better. He’s got a growth opportunity here. There’s no question he should be in the running for the Norris every year; he’s that good, and we’ve just got to get him to be a little more competitive defensively; he’s already working towards that. And then he’ll be right at the front of that group.”

In other words, the sky is the limit for Bouchard, who credits Babcock for finding another level. He has pushed him on details and effort. “I think it’s working for the team,” the defenseman said. Leon Draisaitl just laughed after the Ducks win, noting that he still can’t get over how people talk about Bouchard and his game, choosing not to give him the credit he deserves. “He just makes the right play nearly every time. His poise with the puck is second to none. It’s pretty funny how he’s viewed around the league, but people can continue to see him that way, and we’ll gladly have him on the ice.”

Imagine If Bouchard Had Been Traded?

It wasn’t that long ago that the Edmonton Oilers were chasing Mikko Rantanen in a trade. The Colorado Avalanche had moved Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes but Rantanen never got comfortable there. The Hurricanes were looking to flip the forward and they talked to Edmonton, interested in Bouchard.

Ultimately, the Oilers elected not to move Bouchard in that deal and Rantanen was traded to the Dallas Stars.

As good as Rantanen is, it’s one of those trades the Oilers are extremely happy they never made.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Kings, Jets, Oilers & Maple Leafs