The Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman Evan Bouchard is under significant scrutiny at the start of the 2023-24 NHL season. With a substantial cap hit of $10.5 million, expectations are high. Unfortunately, Bouchard’s performance has not yet matched that financial commitment. He represents the struggles of not just himself but the entire Oilers roster, particularly in depth scoring.
Evan Bouchard’s Current Struggles
As of now, Bouchard has played eight games, accumulating just two points, both of which are assists from power plays. This lack of scoring mirrors a wider trend within the Oilers, where many players are failing to produce effectively.
Defensive Contributions
Bouchard is known for his offensive capabilities, yet he faces criticism for defensive lapses. He leads the Oilers in ice time, averaging over 24 minutes per game, which includes time on the power play and penalty kill. His extensive contributions are evident:
- Average ice time: 24+ minutes per game
- Power play rank: 6th in the league
- Penalty kill rank: Tied for 13th in the league
Potential for Future Success
Despite the early challenges, Bouchard is expected to improve as the season progresses. His advanced statistics indicate a strong potential for increased production. In terms of the NHL landscape, he ranks 35th in corsi for per 60 minutes and 15th in expected goals for per 60 minutes among 146 NHL defensemen.
Why Bouchard Will Bounce Back
His corsi and expected goals percentages exceed 50%, suggesting that the Oilers often outshoot their opponents when he is on the ice. This indicates a strong foundation for future success. While dips in form are common, Bouchard’s underlying numbers show that he has the potential to break out soon.
Conclusion
In summary, while Evan Bouchard is currently facing challenges in his performance, his defensive capabilities, combined with favorable advanced metrics, suggest that he is poised to revitalize the Oilers’ season. Fans and analysts alike anticipate a significant turnaround as the season continues, highlighting his potential as a premier offensive defenseman in the NHL.
