After a second straight Stanley Cup final loss to the Florida Panthers, the Edmonton Oilers are later in the offseason than most. After another heartbreaking defeat, their attention quickly turned to draft and free agents. Now that the dust has been settled, let’s reflect on the 2024-25 season and start assigning player results starting with Evan Bouchard.
Bouchard is a highly polarized player in the fan base and has been severely criticized. The Oilers’ defensive player signed a four-year extension on June 30, covering 10.5 million blocks to get him into the oil country. Like it or not, young, elite, right-handed, offensive defenders are coveted and therefore expensive. He is a top defensive player with an average score of 23:38 and has a high career. During the playoffs, he also averaged 26:12 ice time per game. Most importantly, he played many games at the end of the regular season and had no veteran defense partner Mattias Ekholm due to injury, most of the playoffs. He proved that he could play with anyone and was not relying on Ekholm.
Related: The Oiler who extends Evan Bouchard could have a negative impact on offseason plans
Availability is the best ability, he played at least 81 regular season games in four straight seasons, missing only two games during that time. Since the 2023-24 season, his offensive number has dropped, with him scoring 18 goals and 82 points. He was ranked 14 goals and 67 points last season, and he didn’t score until March 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes. His plus/down ratings also dropped significantly from previous seasons. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 34 points, but only 14 times last season. The 25-year-old is still productive on the offense, but we’ve been looking forward to that and hope for more, especially to compensate for the rest of his game. When he is productive, it will be easier to forgive his other mistakes.
Busard’s defensive game requires work
It’s no secret that Bouchard can defend and fight. He is an elite hockey player, but sometimes puts him in trouble. He tried to move the puck to a skilled striker, and sometimes it could work, resulting in a hurry. However, other times he flips the puck over, leading to a high chance against them, which usually leads to a goal. Oakville, Ontario’s Aboriginal Force isn’t there, and he needs to make better decisions in the defensive zone. He has to do simple dramas and not take unnecessary risks. The method he lacks is frustrating for fans because it seems he lacks effort. He was calm and composed, but it was against him. If he wants to be a better defender, he must improve his strength and urgency while improving his defensive awareness.
Bushad had 128 gifts last season, with 46 more in the competition season and 4 less in the harvest. His shooting percentage was also 108 more than last season, but only 31 shots, down 31 from his 71 shots. The numbers are worrying, but despite this, he still ranks 11th in the Norris Trophy vote.
Bouchard is a playoff performer
Although Bushad’s numbers have been lowered in the regular season, he continues to strengthen the playoffs. Blueliner is a player in every game in the playoffs, scoring seven goals and 23 points in 22 games. He can score up to 81 points in 75 professional playoff games, including some clutch moments. He won the game against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 3 of the 1st round and won the game with 29 seconds left in the next game, working overtime with a huge goal. Playoff performers were highly praised, which is what Bushad means. He is a big gamer and hopes to help Edmonton win the Stanley Cup soon.
Bushad’s overall results
It’s not his best regular season, but he still scored 67 points from the back end and ranked fifth among the defensemen, but he has more to give. therefore, B+Level It is fair to be based on his inconsistent production and defense.
However, he grabbed the playoffs in the playoffs while leading in Ice Time. In all cases, including the penalty kill, he was leaned upon and without his contribution, Edmonton would not have gone that far. so, He deserves what he deserves Because of his outstanding playoffs.
As for the results of the whole season, he Win A-. Despite his defensive flaws, he is still an elite offensive defender and stands out in the playoffs. His defense has indeed improved as the playoffs progress, which is a good sign. He is still only 25 years old and has entered the peak of his career. His regular season numbers have fallen, but even his drop season is better than most defensive players. If Bouchard can figure out his defensive game, he will be an elite overall defensive player in the coming years. He has all the tools, but he has to put them together. It’s a good season for Blueliner, but his best situation is yet to come.
Is this grade fair? What will Bushad give last season? Continue to follow Hockey writer As we continue the Oiler player transcript throughout the offseason.
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