Here we’ve put together a collection of scouting reports and highlights of newly drafted defenceman, Evan Bouchard. The Edmonton Oilers selected Bouchard with the 10th overall pick despite being ranked higher on many lists and rankings, potentially finding a solution to a longstanding hole on the depth chart.

Drafted: 10th overall

Major Junior: London Knights — League: Ontario Hockey League

“I’ve been saying all week that one of the consensus top nine prospects will be left on the board for the Oilers. Today it’s Evan Bouchard. Bouchard put up 87 points in 67 games with the London Knights, which are incredible numbers for a draft eligible defenseman. Bob McKenzie described him as the best passer in the draft. Craig Button compares him to John Carlson. The Oilers should run to the podium if Bouchard is still available at ten. When meeting with the media on Thursday Bouchard did not hesitate to say that he thinks he’s NHL ready. His numbers in the OHL would back that up, plus he already has three seasons in the OHL under his belt. I’m not saying pencil him into the line up this year but I am saying he’d probably be ready to play top-four minutes in the 2019-20 campaign.” -Dustin Nielson, Mock Draft at ON

“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.” Curtis Joe – Elite Prospects

“Big (6-2, 193), strong, skilled right-shot defensemen are a rare commodity, and Bouchard dominated at each end of the ice this season.” –Adam Kimelman – NHL.com

“Bouchard tied for seventh in the OHL with 87 points (25 goals, 62 assists), the first defenseman to finish among the top 10 scorers in the OHL since Windsor’s Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators) was tied for fourth with 101 points in 2010-11.” –Mike Morreale – NHL.com

“You won’t get a lot of flash and dash but he’s smart, efficient, competitive and makes the game look easy.” –Craig Button – TSN

“He thinks the game well well, shoots the puck a ton and is as strong as an ox, which will allow him to log big minutes down the road.” –Sam Cosentino – Sportsnet

“Bouchard, who this season was the OHL’s top-scoring defenseman and carried London’s gutted roster for almost three-quarters of the season. He is a one-man breakout with a howitzer for a shot, plus he has the size (6’2, 190) and reaches to make up for foot speed that appears average at best.” –Steve Kournianos – SportingNews

“A strong puck-moving defender who took on all the tough minutes on a depleted Knights’ squad. Runs the power play with precision, uses his big shot with impunity and finds a way onto the scoresheet most nights.” –Cam Robinson – DobberProspects

NHL Combine Interview:

Bouchard’s selection on Sportsnet:

Post Draft Interview:

Highlight pack from the 2017-18 season: