The Edmonton Oilers are hoping a new coaching staff can help unlock another level from one of their biggest stars. As associate coach D.J. Smith takes charge of the team’s defense, one of his top priorities is finding ways to maximize the impact of the club’s $42 million blueliner.
DJ Smith Eyes Best From Oilers’ $42M Blueliner
Evan Bouchard, who is entering the second season of his four-year, $42 million contract ($10.5 million AAV), is coming off the best campaign of his career. The 26-year-old recorded 21 goals and 95 points while averaging 24:41 of ice time per game and was, at various points, in the running for the Norris.
Although much of the criticism surrounding Bouchard has centered on his giveaways and occasional defensive mistakes, Smith believes those concerns have overshadowed just how valuable the defenseman really is.
Speaking on the Oilers NOW podcast, Smith praised Bouchard’s poise under pressure and his ability to control the game. “I think his ability to make plays under pressure and his ability to be calm in big moments is something that you don’t have on every team,” Smith said.
He also dismissed the idea that Bouchard’s success is simply the result of playing alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
“I had an opportunity to watch him run the power play. And I just think there’s a skill set there that is undervalued or maybe he’s underappreciated because of the fact that you have McDavid and Draisaitl. I’ve seen him with not those guys at the World Championship, and he can run a power play as good as anyone in the National Hockey League,” he added.
He also pointed out that Bouchard’s defensive play is better than most people believe. “I look forward to coaching this guy. And I think this guy is going to have a great year.”
In his view, Bouchard is one of the league’s elite power-play quarterbacks, using his vision, puck movement, and booming shot from the point to drive one of the NHL’s most dangerous units.
The Oilers also plan to put Bouchard in a better position to succeed this season.
With Connor Murphy and Ryan Shea strengthening the blue line, he is expected to spend less time on the penalty kill and more time at even strength and on the power play.
Reducing his workload should help keep him fresh for key situations, while continuing to pair him with Mattias Ekholm will allow him to play his aggressive offensive game with confidence.
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Expectations for Bouchard have never been higher. But with Smith simplifying his responsibilities, showing confidence in his all-around game, and giving him the freedom to run the power play, the stage is set for Bouchard to prove he is much more than “McDavid’s defenseman” and establish himself as a legitimate Norris Trophy frontrunner.
