Team Canada went to Switzerland for the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship looking like a legitimate gold medal favorite after an impressive run through the preliminary round and a convincing quarterfinal victory. Instead, the tournament ended with consecutive losses in the medal round and a fourth-place finish that left the program without a medal for the third straight year.
As questions surfaced about what went wrong, attention has shifted toward one absence that may have changed everything.
Jason Demers Defends Evan Bouchard After Team Canada Falls Short at World Championship
Former NHL defenseman Jason Demers left little doubt about where he stands when discussing Edmonton Oilers blueliner Evan Bouchard.
Following Canada’s disappointing finish in Switzerland, Demers took to X and connected the team’s collapse directly to Bouchard’s absence. In his post, Demers wrote, “Norris trophy winner Evan Bouchard gets hurt and we don’t medal. I refuse to hear any more Bouchard slander.”
While the remark was partly tongue-in-cheek regarding the Norris Trophy conversation, the message behind it was clear. Demers believes Canada’s fortunes changed dramatically once Bouchard exited the tournament.
The injury occurred during Canada’s dominant 4-0 quarterfinal victory over Team USA. Bouchard absorbed a hard hit from American defenseman Ryan Lindgren and was forced out of the remainder of the event.
Reports indicated the hit briefly knocked him unconscious, ending what had been a strong tournament for one of Canada’s most important defensemen.
His departure became especially noticeable in the final two games. Canada lost 4-2 to Finland in the semifinals despite carrying a 2-1 lead. The team then suffered a stunning 3-2 overtime loss to Norway in the bronze-medal game.
These defeats came as Canada’s special teams struggled badly, including a 0-for-4 performance on the power play against Norway.
Bouchard’s absence fueled discussion because of the unique role he plays on the blueline. The Oilers defenseman completed a historic NHL season in which he led all defensemen with 95 points. His offensive instincts and power-play quarterbacking ability became difficult to replace once he was absent from Canada’s lineup.
The semifinal against Finland highlighted several issues. Canada managed only three shots during a costly second period and surrendered three unanswered goals.
The bronze medal game brought even more frustration.
Canada erased a 2-0 deficit in the final moments thanks to two dramatic goals from Robert Thomas, only to lose on an overtime odd-man rush finished by Norway’s Noah Steen. The defeat delivered Norway its first-ever medal at the men’s world championship.
Despite the disappointing ending, there is encouraging news regarding Bouchard’s health. Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said he has spoken directly with both Bouchard and Team Canada management. According to Bowman, the defenseman is “doing well” and “is going to be okay.”
ALSO READ: Philadelphia Flyers’ Speedy $49,600,000 Winger Lands on Oilers’ Radar
The organization does not expect the injury to impact Bouchard’s availability for the 2026-27 NHL season. With training camp still months away, Edmonton expects him to undergo further evaluations before beginning his offseason recovery program.
