"It also does not mean he's a constant shortcoming holding the team back from a Cup; that person wears a lot more pads. What Bouchard is to Edmonton is pivotal: a No. 1 defenseman who's now paid like it, who has the puck on his stick more than just about anyone, who quarterbacks a lethal attack, who is a threat from anywhere-and who can't seem to stop doing very silly things that cost games. As Bouchard goes, so go the Oilers."
"It makes thematic sense that Edmonton's identity-potent! yet flawed; sexy to watch! yet prone to disaster-would be so tied up in an offensive defenseman. Bouchard clearly does enough on the attack to make the trade-offs worth it. He was third on the team in scoring last year and in their last two deep postseason runs. He's got a heavy slapper and he's a great puck-mover, and his chemistry with McDavid and Draisaitl is real, and tight."
Evan Bouchard serves as Edmonton's No. 1 defenseman who handles the puck constantly and directs a potent attack. He scores at a high rate, finished third on the team in scoring last season, and has strong chemistry with McDavid and Draisaitl. He brings a heavy slapper and elite puck-moving that justify his long-term role and pay. Bouchard also makes recurring, sometimes baffling turnovers and risky decisions that directly cost games. Those mistakes appear to be a persistent trait at age 26. Team performance often tracks with Bouchard's play: success when he contributes, chaos when he miscues.
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