Evan Bouchard’s efficiency to begin the 2024-25 season has sparked polarizing opinions, with some questioning whether or not he’s taking part in himself out of a rumored profitable long-term extension. With seven factors in 15 video games, he’s producing, however not wherever near the extent he was final season. And, as a result of his worth is basically measured by his level manufacturing, might that rumored $10 million per season eight-year deal be going away? Is Bouchard’s mega cope with the Oilers in jeopardy?
Recognized for his elite offensive talents, together with a strong shot and unbelievable poise, Bouchard’s defensive lapses this season have turn out to be some extent of rivalry. Critics have highlighted his current backchecking failure on a Jack Eichel breakaway, resulting in feedback from the 2 Mutts Podcast mocking his effort, calling it akin to a “public skate.” Each participant has gaffes. Bouchard seems to have them extra typically than most.
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Apparently, the numbers inform a special story. Whereas his defensive play stays inconsistent, Bouchard’s general underlying statistics counsel there’s extra to his recreation than what the attention take a look at says. He currently allows the fifteenth least possibilities towards out of 240 defensemen, a big enchancment from the earlier seasons, the place he ranked thirty fourth and one hundred and fifth. Some analysts argue that Bouchard’s defensive shortcomings are overstated, declaring that even star gamers like Connor McDavid present occasional lapses. Kevin McCurdy defended Bouchard, asserting he’s a top-10 defenseman within the league, each offensively and defensively, urging followers to be affected person along with his improvement.
Is Bouchard’s $10M Extension at Threat with Oilers
The polarizing emotions in direction of Bouchard by the fan base in Edmonton considerably mockingly run parallel to his play this season. At instances, he seems like an elite defenseman and his numbers have a tendency to indicate he’s. At different instances, he seems disinterested and lazy. What’s that price within the NHL?
Kurt Leavins wrote in his 9 Things post on Sunday:
No scarcity of venom for Evan Bouchard after a poor efficiency towards Las Vegas this week. Bouchard was immediately chargeable for two targets towards. And to make issues worse, he was not overwhelmed on 50-50 performs. That doesn’t sit nicely in a blue-collar city like Edmonton that prides itself on exhausting work.”
Leavins does argue that a few of that isn’t on Bouchard however on the Oilers’ blue-line points general. Bouchard is averaging 24:20 per evening, greater than 4 minutes per evening greater than his career-high common of 20:09. If he’s being overused, that might clarify a few of his errors.
That doesn’t excuse every part. If the Oilers are about to present Bouchard $10 million per season, he wants to have the ability to handle 25 minutes an evening with out problem. Issues won’t ever be excellent, however the highlight can’t shine on him each recreation for his highlights and lowlights.
The Oilers Have to Wait to Pay Bouchard
On the very least, Edmonton must know for sure they don’t have one other Tyson Barrie on their fingers — somebody who will get a ton of factors in Edmonton however isn’t a high producer on one other staff. As Bouchard enters his contract yr, his efficiency—notably his capacity to contribute defensively—shall be essential in figuring out his price.
And, if he retains taking part in stable, however inconsistent hockey, he’s going to return in lots cheaper than the rumored $10 million deal insiders had him pegged at following a record-breaking 2023-24 playoff efficiency.
And, if worse involves worst and Bouchard finishes the season with half of the manufacturing he had final yr, the 2 sides could also be taking a look at a bridge deal. The Oilers will need to be certain they know what they’ve and Bouchard gained’t probably need to signal away the following eight seasons if he believes he can bounce again in 2025-26.
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