Despite all of the rumours about their pick being in play, the Edmonton Oilers stepped up to the podium and used their 10th overall pick to select puck-moving defenceman Evan Bouchard from the London Knights.
After weeks of speculating about what would happen with the Oilers first rounder, we finally found out the answer as Peter Chiarelli walked up to the microphone and drafted Evan Bouchard with the 10th overall pick. I don’t think many of us would have expected him to be there when the Oilers pick rolled around, but I’m pretty excited that he was there when it came time to make a choice. Bouchard is a puck-moving defenceman that put up points like crazy for London last season, and he’s the exact type of player that the Oilers were looking to add.
Considering the abundance of defencemen that were ranked in the Top 15, it’s not exactly surprising that the Oilers ended up with one of them. For me, it wasn’t so much about whether or not they would draft a d-man but rather who would they take. That said, I certainly didn’t expect Bouchard to still be around. Now that he’s in the mix, the Oilers finally have a skilled defender in their stable that will help them create offence from the back for potentially years to come.
In 67 games played, Bouchard put up a whopping 25 goals and 62 assists for 87 points, leading not only the Knights but also the OHL in points scored by a defender. Welcome aboard, good sir.
WHO IS EVAN BOUCHARD?
Now that we know Bouchard is our man, I wanted to dive into the Google machine to figure out exactly what we have here. We know that Bouchard is a puck moving defenceman that can put up points like crazy, but what else is there to know? Let the Internet be our guide.
Robin Brownlee’s profile on Bouchard:
Bouchard, a six-foot-two, 193-pound right shot D-man who put up 25-62-87in 67 games with the Knights this season, is a slick passer and a power play quarterback who’d check just about every box for the Oilers – not only right now but down the road. Every team wants and needs players like Bouchard, who steadily climbed scouting rankings this season.
Like I said, it might be too much to ask that Bouchard is available when the Oilers pick, but I’m going to look at three prospects over the next week or 10 days who are rated in the range of where the Oilers will select, and he’s the first. Bouchard would certainly qualify as a wish-list prospect for the Oilers, but, again, if you look at the range of how players are rated, it’s difficult to come up with a definitive top-10 list behind Rasmus Dahlin.
From CanucksArmy’s yearly prospect countdown:
“Many in the industry consider Bouchard the second most pro-ready defenceman in this year’s draft; some even believe he could make an NHL lineup as soon as next season. I’m not that bullish — I think his spot on the CanucksArmy board suggests that neither are my peers — on Bouchard, but it’s easy to see why they feel so strongly about the big, right-shot rearguard.
There’s the obvious, Bouchard’s gaudy 87 points (25 goals and 52 assists) in 67 games this season. That mark was good enough for first among OHL defencemen (not just draft-eligible defenceman at that) and as Dayal pointed out in his article, the highest point total and point rate as an 18-year-old in that league since Ryan Ellis’ 89 points in the 2008-09 season.
If the shot isn’t there, Bouchard is every bit as apt as a setup man. He’s always processing the game two steps ahead of the opposition. Coupled with a crisp, accurate pass, it’s a deadly combination. You’ll hardly be surprised to find out he’s a hell of a power play quarterback as a result; or that Bouchard does a fine job of breaking the puck out of the defensive zone.”
From Curtis Joe at Elite Prospects:
“A highly intelligent all-around defenceman that plays with poise and can shift the pace of play in a multitude of ways. Showcases smooth four-way skating ability and loves to get involved in all situations – especially when that situation happens to be an up-ice rush. Has a polished offensive skill-set which includes well-timed passes and a sneaky, erratic shot. Goes with the high percentage play and makes smart decisions. Could work on strength behind his shot. Defensively active, cutting off lanes and always staying in excellent positioning. Reads cues well in all three zones and seems to stay a step ahead. All-in-all, a well-rounded defender with great hockey sense and work ethic.”
Central Scouting:
“A highly intelligent defenseman with exceptional vision and offensive instincts. He reads the play very well and his passing ability allows him to be a constant threat in his team’s transition game. He’s one of the top offensive defensemen in the Canadian Hockey League and magician-like when quarterbacking the power play.”
WHERE HE WAS RANKED
International Scouting Services (ISS): 6th
Craig Button of TSN: 10th
Central Scouting: 4th among NA skaters
McKeen’s Hockey: 7th
Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet: 8th
Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News: 7th
EVAN BOUCHARD’S JUNIOR CAREER SO FAR
| Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | PGP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | Oakville Blades | OJHL | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2015-16 | London Knights | OHL | 43 | 2 | 15 | 17 | 24 | 15 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2016-17 | London Knights | OHL | 68 | 11 | 33 | 44 | 24 | 30 | 14 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| 2017-18 | London Knights | OHL | 67 | 25 | 62 | 87 | 54 | 23 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
ARTICLE BROUGHT TO YOU BY SPORTS EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1950, Sports Excellence Corporation represents over 150 family-owned independent hockey retailers across Canada and the United States. Our highly knowledgeable hockey specialists are available to assist all your equipment needs. Find your closest Sports Excellence retailer here!
Arizona picking Hayton at 5 seemed like a reach. But very thankful it happened.
This is the best pick that we could have hoped for at #10. I’m overjoyed!
I wanted Wahlstrom but Bouchard is a positional need, a right shot D who can QB a PP and play top 4 I won’t complain at all. A deep draft but did some teams ever go off the board which worked perfect for us.
I’m happy with the pick, but dude. He looks so much older than he is.
I find it funny that people were saying it would be a stretch if one of Dobson, Bouchard, or Wahlstrom was available at 10, let alone all 3.
We might over value RHD here and right hand players in general. That said you are one of the only people not surprised then.
You are right but there are always off the board picks. I’m just glad it was not the Oilers this year at least not in the first round anyway.
There wasn’t a single person who would’ve though Arizona was taking Hayton
I’ve been saying 1 of Dobson or Wahlstrom would be available but didn’t think Bouchard would get past Vancouver and then Hughes was available. I had the Rangers taking Kravtsov at 9. But once Hayton went 5th it wrecked my draft board. And I was just praying the Oilers kept the pick.
Wooooooo this could be good 87 pts in his draft year my, Could this be our Arron eckblad
I was on tenterhooks when it was Edmonton’s turn, so worried Chiarelli would pull the trigger on some trade that would make me rip the rest of my hair out. This is a good get, I am very excited to have this young man as a future Oiler. Thank you Chiarelli for doing the right thing(though I would have liked to hear any proposals that came his way). Thank you Arizona for picking Hayton.
He looked like he didn’t want to get picked by the Oilers ( Just like McDavid) right Toronto? lol
Yup, he looked disappointed. For me the feeling mutual I guess, I only wish that he could of saw my face.
not sure if this was sarcastic or what, but I chuckled when I read it so I will cheers you Fat Steve
Bouchard needs to work on his skating and transition. He has good size and a nice shot. Noah Dobson, Adam Boqvist, Quinn Hughes are all stronger skaters. I thought Oliver Wahlstrom could have been the pure shooter Edm was looking for to improve their secondary scoring.
Time will tell how this works out?
Right now the need for a RHD powerplay quarterback is greater.
The best 2 skating D-men (besides Dahlin) Quinn Hughes, and Adam Boqvist were long gone by pick #10.
Yamo will be the pure scorer Edmonton needs. Everyone keeps forgetting about Kailer. He impressed me on his 9 game audition.
Exactly. I fear that we have have seen his best skating already. I hope not, but the good ones can slow the game down to their speed but to me its an agility issue with him. The routes he takes, the long radius slow speed turns and his slow loose turning with possession in the offensive zone. Whatever, I guess we will see and I hope for our sake(as fans) I am wrong.
Bouchard’s skating isn’t an issue that is not true. Look at the minutes he played and how he ran that team. He is VERY solid defensively as well as being a beast offensively! Dobson is good but had 20 less points on a better team from the Q league.
Slick shooter, can see him teaming up with the Nuge and CMD in crazy ways, just hope the Oil don’t rush his development as per usual…
…can see them creating havoc 3 on 3 ot also
Yeah maybe, if only he could skate…
First learned about this kid through this article and thought he would be perfect for the Oilers:
https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/platform/amp/2018/3/30/16948364/2018-prospect-profiles-evan-bouchard
Really pleased right now.
WOW..wild draft… Bouchard at 10 is cool..BUT Walstrom at 10 to be Dr. Drai’s winger would have been cool…islanders made out like bandits tonight
Meanwhile, somewhere in Calgary they are holding a candle light vigil.
Man is Calgary foolish, bad bets and throwing away first rounders like the oil did a few years ago….
Only time will tell. Bouchard was an incredible fit for us though
But how long to develop Walhstrome? Oilers have JP and Yamamoto for RW.
JP is still a kid. Do you know any 20 year olds that accept rides from strangers, but give him time he will develop faster that Wahlstrom
This is the player I was hoping the oil traded up to get and he dropped to 10th.
He’s big and smart, could play this year and be better then last years third pair guys.
Could not have asked for a better outcome!!
I think Dobson might have been the better option but it’s debatable. They got lucky.
I just hope the Oilers Midas touch in reverse does not rear its ugly head and you are right Dobson ends up being the better player but on draft day i’m going to stay positive and hope the Oilers made the right choice. We will know in about five years or so.
The only question left is how soon will he be ready for NHL?
I hope they don’t rush him but if you look at the Oilers history and what they did with Yam last season it would not surprise me if the Oilers rushed into the NHL out of camp.
Here’s the thing though. They didn’t rush Kailer. His worth ethic at camp and play in the pre-season EARNED him his roster spot. And they still sent him down after 9 games. They did nothing wrong with Kailer’s development. Bouchard is NHL ready, but it doesn’t hurt to send him back to the OHL for more development.
Yeah a 18 year old kid as big as a grade 8 kid is NHL. It does matter what he did in pre-season he is lucky to not get hurt in his nine games.
5 goals and 2 asissts in 6 preseason games. They gave him his cup of coffee then sent him back. 9 games wasn’t going to kill him, and it didn’t.
I think you are mistaken about what it takes to make an NHL lineup – if he was just going to get hurt out there being 150 lbs don’t you think coaches who’ve spent their lives watching and developing players would see he was way over his head?
Sure, after the 9 game stint it was clear he had some things to work on and they did the right thing by sending him down. But no doubt about it, Yamamoto earned that 9 game tryout by showing he WASN’T going to get clobbered against grown men.
*NHL ready
@ Spydyr, I don’t think they rushed Yam at all, he deserved his 9 game audition. Then went back to the Dub and tore it up.
He want back to the WHL and sucked for two months. He did not start producing until after the World Juniors and he was rotten in the WJC as well. Don’t let the facts get in the way of your narrative though.
By “sucked” you mean he had 12pts in 13 games then scored 49pts in 29 games after the WJC. Pretty damn good if you ask me.
Besides, that all happened AFTER his 9 game audition which he did earn coming out of camp.
If they can protect him well like have him to get his feet wet by playing limited minutes on 3rd pairing would also be ok. Quite a few players started that way.
Another thing to consider if he says past in think 49 games they burn a year of his entry level contract.
*stays
I think it’s 41 games.
Am I missing something or did the Avs just trade Philipp Grubauer and defenseman Brooks Orpik for a second round pick ?
Orpik was a salary dump by Washington. Trying to get extension for Carlson.
The Capitals traded Grubauer and Orpik to the Avs for a second round pick. Someone may not have been thinking straight. Hint: it was the Capitals GM.
Yeah to resign Carlson. Pretty smart move to me: Keep stud dman and get a decent pick, trade away declining expensive dman and goalie you dont really need.
That’s a win.
Orpick is turning 38, it is cearing cap space for a Carlsson contract obvs.
Orpik had to go to make room for Carlson
The Islanders and Red Wings absolutely hit HOME RUNS tonight.
Yup, my dads an isles fan and his team had a very good week.
Nothing better than getting a top 5 pick in the 10th position 🙂
Teams picked other players ahead of Bouchard for a reason. This kid is no lock. Potential is potential. Nothing more. Good luck to the kid anyways.
The last time that happened was MPS. ?
good on Nielsen calling this pick this morning.
That’s a win + and then some !!
Now find a cheap ufa for RH Wing and we’re all set till the kids from the farm burst out
Excited about this kid. All reports suggest he has an elite set of offensive tools, and should be a killer on the PP. Awesome shot, elite passing, and very creative playmaker. Hope we see many an exchange between this kid and McDavid on a PP unit down the road.
Does this mean oilers will try and trade a LHD? Or will the start the year with Larsson, Benning and Russell playing RHD.
Depends on Bear I guess, if Bear did enough last season for him to push for a spot. But as for now, the Oilers finally have enough on RD and now that they have to figure out about how to sort out the LD.
I heard a rumor Klefbom for McAvoy. Which wouldn’t be a bad trade.
That’s your inside voice talking to you. It’s clearly drunk. Not a rumor….
Probably by Bruins insiders who only think about their own team.
Wow
NYR are going to rebuild faster in 1 year than Oilers in 10
Who’s Rangers C again?
What’s wrong with Bode Wilde? He drops so far down the list. Is Joe Valeno even in the draft?
Red Wings steal another draft as usual, Zadina and Veleno? With Larkin, Mantha, and Athanasiou that Red Wings will fly all over east.
I read he is on multiple teams do not draft list but also in the top 20 on others. Not sure what the deal is. Even though we just took a RHD I would take Willde in a second if he kept falling to 40.
Same. Turn RHD from a weakness into a strength. A strength that also happens to be a weak link on half the teams in the NHL. It could ‘Bode’ well for future trades. We could develop Benning into a decent player over a couple years and then trade him to fill a hole in the line up. And we would still have prospects in the bank at RHD.
With the pool of talents left that I’m really interesting to find out that who will still be available at 2nd round.
Dellandrea, Denisenko, Kaut, Foudy, and O’Brien are all jumped way ahead of their expected spot.
Ryan Merkley
Never mind
Denisenko and Kaut both went exactly in the spots McKenzie had them.
Looks that way, Foudy and O’Brien both are crazy reach. Now with Johansson that Wild are absolutely insane considering that almost every scout reports have him at mid-2nd to late-3rd range.
*early third.
Looking forward to next season more than ever. I think they’ll be better even without getting Bouchard, but now that they got him, I am pretty optimistic about overall future. Hopefully, they do not rush his development. Hold back players like Bear, Yamamoto, Benson, etc. until they are ripe.
Good on Chiarelli for not trading the pick.
BOOOOOOOOOOSH
It’s too bad they can’t send him to the AHL and call him up to the bigs whenever. I understand the CHL wants to keep a certain level of skill in the league and rightly so but would another year I the OHL hamper Bouchard’s development?
I don’t think it’ll hamper his development, but it seems a bit redundant. He’s one of those players that seems too good for the OHL, but not yet good enough for the NHL. He’s got 3 months to work on his things. Maybe he’s a stud and explodes into the NHL next year. That’ll be something eh?