Oilers 2026-27 Player Previews: Evan Bouchard

The NHL offseason is nearing its conclusion, and we are getting ready for the start of a new season. Like the past few seasons, the Edmonton Oilers have high expectations. This article series will preview each player and what is expected of them.

First up is Evan Bouchard. Bouchard had a career year in 2025-26, recording 21 goals and 95 points in 82 games, with a plus-25 rating, averaging 24:41 per game. He smashed his career high in goals, points, and ice time. He led the league in defencemen points, 14 more than the next. Despite that, he was still snubbed for the Norris Trophy and wasn’t even a finalist. He continues to be disrespected by the fans and media. Narrative aside, the organization knows what he brings to the table. Let’s take a look at the Oilers’ blueliner and preview his campaign.

Best Case Scenario

The best case scenario is that Bouchard replicates his point totals from last season. Another 20-plus goals and roughly 100 points would be outstanding. He plays with two of the best players in the league, and is the quarterback on their lethal power play. He has a lethal shot and an exceptional breakout pass. His vision is on another level. There’s no reason to believe his production will decrease. He turns 27 in October, and he’s in his prime. The Ontario native should be an elite point producer for years to come.

Despite what people say, his defensive game has improved. He had a rough start last season, but got better as the year went on. The biggest gripe fans have with Bouchard is his egregious mental errors and turnovers, often leading to quality scoring chances and goals against. If he can eliminate those awful mistakes, he can become an elite defender. He has also added penalty killing to his repertoire, making him more versatile.

At the beginning of his career, he relied on Mattias Ekholm, but now, Ekholm relies on Bouchard. They’ve been paired together since Ekholm was acquired at the 2023 Trade Deadline, and have rarely been separated. They’ve worked well together, but Bouchard is at the point where he can elevate anyone. If Ekholm takes a significant step back this season, Ryan Shea or Jake Walman can step into that role and play those minutes. Bouchard makes everyone better, because that’s what elite players do.

Worst Case Scenario

It’s hard to imagine Bouchard not being an elite number one defenceman. The biggest concern is the new coach and how that will affect Bouchard’s play. After a disappointing first-round exit, the Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch and hired Mike Babcock as his replacement. The blueliner has a calm demeanour, and Babcock is a hard-nosed coach, so will their different personalities mesh, or will there be a disconnect? The new bench boss shouldn’t come in and try to change him.

If he doesn’t get along with the new coach, that could be a problem. Hopefully, Babcock can roll all pairings and spread out the ice time to give Bouchard some extra rest. When he makes mistakes, there should be accountability. Babcock shouldn’t be afraid to bench him, but if he does, Bouchard needs to respond. If the defenceman doesn’t respond positively, that relationship can deteriorate, which is bad for the team. It will be interesting to see how that relationship develops. This could be a delicate situation.

Bouchard Should Continue Being Elite

Bouchard is a unique player and has a great skill set. He’s entering year two of a four-year contract with a $10.5 million cap hit. He’s getting paid like an elite number one defenceman, and he has lived up to the contract thus far.

On top of being elite, he’s also extremely durable. In his first five full seasons, he has played all 82 games three times and 81 games twice. The best ability is availability, and he has stayed healthy while also logging big minutes against the other team’s top lines. He has missed just two regular-season games since 2021-22, which is an impressive feat. He has also played 81 playoff games and has been a clutch performer, scoring massive goals and creating memorable moments. Hopefully he can create more this season.

Keep following The Hockey Writers as we continue the Oilers’ player previews in anticipation of this season.