The Edmonton Oilers have a truly elite defender in Evan Bouchard. His slapshot is the rare and powerful sort that can find its way past a goalie, even when they can see it coming. He skates efficiently, with an economy of movement that allows him to play big minutes night after night. His advanced statistics tell us that the ice is tilted toward the opposing net during that playing time. It's clear that Bouchard is doing his best to be worthy of his $10.5 million contract.
This season, Bouchard has a chance at a significant feat. Through 76 games played, he has produced 20 goals and 67 assists, for a total of 87 points. That averages to 1.14 points per game (PPG). Extrapolating that production over the remaining six games, should bring him to around 94. In National Hockey League history, that would tie him for the 22nd best scoring total by a defenseman. But if he can find an offensive surge down the stretch, a 100 point season might be achievable.
Rare company
Only four defenders not named Paul Coffey or Bobby Orr have ever broken the century mark. We know Bouchard is capable of scoring in bunches, as evidenced by his 6-point night earlier in the year. The Oilers' remaining opponents are as follows:
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Utah Mammoth
- San Jose Sharks
- LA Kings
- Colorado Avalanche
- Vancouver Canucks
Every team save the Avalanche are below Edmonton in the standings, and the Canucks and Sharks allow the first (3.81) and second (3.51) most goals against in the National Hockey League. With Colorado having defensive challenges, and very likely to rest some of its star power, even that game presents opportunity. If Bouchard can find his way close to the century mark, his teammates will surely be looking to help him reach the highest heights by Game 82.
To rest or chase records
There's a very valid argument that says chasing point totals should be a secondary goal when a team is prepping for a long postseason run. There's risk of injury, or even simple wear and tear, and with the Oilers coming so close the past two seasons, I'd generally agree, except for one thing.
This team has only recently started to look like a contender. The trade deadline additions of center Jason Dickinson and defenseman Connor Murphy appear to have helped the Oilers' porous defense and penalty kill, but the sample size is small. The team needs to fully gel before these improvements can be counted on to continue into the playoffs, and to me that means playing the full lineup through to the end of the regular season schedule.
Bouchard is going to need to do something special to garner the Norris Trophy votes he already deserves, and Connor McDavid has the ability to push points his way. Along with a potential Pacific Division title, these accolades are worth pursuing, even if they aren't the favorite for a Stanley Cup this year.