Evan Bouchard has emerged as one of the NHL's most impactful offensive defensemen, as his vision, skating, and puck control push Edmonton’s attack to another level, also he’s not just a support piece; he drives play, often creating mismatches and breakdowns for opposing defenses. With his booming shot and power-play success, his offensive metrics now rival elite names.
His ability to produce offense at even strength and on the man advantage has made him an essential part of Edmonton’s game plan. Since being paired with Mattias Ekholm, his impact has grown significantly. His game has matured, and so has his value.
Defensive growth silences early criticism
Earlier in his career, Bouchard was known for costly errors in key moments. But over the past two seasons, his defensive numbers have improved. His positioning is sharper, and his mistakes are less frequent. Playing high-leverage playoff minutes has helped him develop under pressure.
A unique player with limited comparables
Bouchard doesn’t fit neatly into any category. His value stems from high-end offense rather than a two-way game. Few other defensemen offer similar output in similar roles. His closest peers show a split: some thrived for years, others declined fast.
Rising salary cap adds a twist
The cap is about to climb quickly. That makes long-term contracts harder to judge using past norms. A million dollar defenseman today could become a bargain if the cap jumps as expected. Locking Bouchard up now might secure surplus value later.
Read more: Eight NHL players turned heads in 2024–25 season
The decision on Bouchard’s next deal will shape the Oilers’ future. His current play justifies a large contract. His offensive ceiling is high, and his defense has improved enough to trust. In a rising cap environment, the Oilers could lock in value by acting now. But the risk remains. If Bouchard regresses, the cost could be heavy. Edmonton must weigh reward against risk; and decide which version of Bouchard they believe in most.
His ability to produce offense at even strength and on the man advantage has made him an essential part of Edmonton’s game plan. Since being paired with Mattias Ekholm, his impact has grown significantly. His game has matured, and so has his value.
Defensive growth silences early criticism
Earlier in his career, Bouchard was known for costly errors in key moments. But over the past two seasons, his defensive numbers have improved. His positioning is sharper, and his mistakes are less frequent. Playing high-leverage playoff minutes has helped him develop under pressure.
A unique player with limited comparables
Bouchard doesn’t fit neatly into any category. His value stems from high-end offense rather than a two-way game. Few other defensemen offer similar output in similar roles. His closest peers show a split: some thrived for years, others declined fast.
Rising salary cap adds a twist
The cap is about to climb quickly. That makes long-term contracts harder to judge using past norms. A million dollar defenseman today could become a bargain if the cap jumps as expected. Locking Bouchard up now might secure surplus value later.
Read more: Eight NHL players turned heads in 2024–25 season
The decision on Bouchard’s next deal will shape the Oilers’ future. His current play justifies a large contract. His offensive ceiling is high, and his defense has improved enough to trust. In a rising cap environment, the Oilers could lock in value by acting now. But the risk remains. If Bouchard regresses, the cost could be heavy. Edmonton must weigh reward against risk; and decide which version of Bouchard they believe in most.
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