Locking up Evan Bouchard a no-brainer for Oilers

EDMONTON — Consider the current state of NHL defensemen. How many genuinely undisputed, top-tier No. 1 defensemen exist in the league today?

The conversation typically begins with players like Cale Makar, includes Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski, extends to the likes of Lane Hutson and Victor Hedman, and incorporates talents such as Josh Morrissey and Shea Theodore.

While a few more could be added, a certainty remains: there are not 32 legitimate top defensemen to fill the top spot on every NHL team. In fact, a more realistic estimate places the number closer to sixteen.

Given this scarcity, imagine having a six-foot-three, right-shooting defenseman who excels at quarterbacking the power play, is capable of playing significant minutes (up to 27 when necessary), is an elite puck-mover, possesses one of the league`s hardest shots, and consistently elevates his performance in crucial moments. Allowing such a player to depart would be ill-advised.

The Edmonton Oilers would immediately be faced with the challenging task of finding a player with Evan Bouchard`s unique skill set, a search that would likely prove fruitless.

General Manager Stan Bowman therefore made the logical decision. While initially hoping for an eight-year commitment, the 25-year-old Bouchard ultimately signed a four-year contract extension carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $10.5 million.

Bouchard is indeed a bona fide No. 1 defenseman, and his new contract appropriately reflects his value.

Historically, the primary area of critique for Bouchard, sometimes preventing his consideration among the NHL`s very top defensemen or a spot on national teams, has been defensive zone awareness.

However, when the playoffs arrive, Bouchard`s defensive game, like the rest of his performance, noticeably improves. This highlights his capacity to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Over the last four regular seasons, Bouchard ranks ninth in points (232), 22nd in plus/minus (plus-64), and 10th in points per game (among players with at least 250 games played) with a 0.71 average.

Now, let`s examine his statistics from the last four post-seasons:

• Points: First (81)
• Games Played: Tied for second (75)
• Goals: First (20)
• Assists: First (61)
• Power-play goals: First (8)
• Power-play points: First (38)
• Shots on goal: First (212)

In the playoffs, having a defenseman with Bouchard`s skating ability, composure, decision-making under pressure, and puck-moving talent can be the crucial difference between a good team and a true Stanley Cup contender.

Although Edmonton did not succeed in the recent Finals – and admittedly, Bouchard had a difficult Game 6 under intense pressure from the Florida Panthers – ultimately, his play elevates the team more often than it hinders them. He may not be a Shea Weber, but finding a player of that caliber today is exceptionally rare.

Furthermore, on an Oilers power play featuring the exceptional Connor McDavid, recent Rocket Richard Trophy winner Leon Draisaitl, and one of the league`s top net-front presences in Zach Hyman, having a skilled passer and the hardest shot in hockey operating from the point is a significant advantage.

Below are the NHL leaders last season for the most shots recorded between 90-100 m.p.h.:

Bouchard also ranks exceptionally high (in the 99th percentile) for shots between 80-90 m.p.h. and 70-80 m.p.h. This indicates that while other players might record a single faster shot, Bouchard consistently delivers high-velocity shots more frequently than any other defenseman currently playing.

It is highly improbable that the Oilers would ever consider parting ways with their most dynamic defenseman, especially when paired with their formidable offensive forwards. However, as the 10th overall pick from 2018, Bouchard now occupies a significant portion of the team`s salary structure, accounting for 11 percent of the Oilers` salary cap.

If Connor McDavid signs a contract reportedly worth $17 million this summer, starting with the 2026-27 season, the combined cap hits of the captain, Draisaitl, and Bouchard could approach 37 percent, or over one-third, of Edmonton`s total salary cap. This is the cost associated with retaining elite talent, and one day these substantial salaries could potentially necessitate Bouchard moving to another team with different colors.

However, that day is not today, nor is it expected within the next four seasons covered by his new contract.

The Edmonton Oilers secured Evan Bouchard on Monday for a straightforward reason: it would have been illogical not to.