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‘The most egregious snub in NHL history’: Oilers fans react to Evan Bouchard not being named Norris Trophy finalist
Edmonton OIlers Evan Bouchard
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Woz
By Woz
May 7, 2026, 14:00 EDTUpdated: May 7, 2026, 13:59 EDT
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For some, it comes as a surprise that Evan Bouchard wasn’t nominated for the Norris Trophy. For others, it’s completely understandable.
Over the past season, the defenceman made a case for himself to receive a nomination and it turned into quite the debate and conversation in the later stages of the NHL season.
Pundits and fans across the hockey world have been very vocal about Bouchard’s play in recent months, as he led all defencemen in the league in scoring with a 14-point margin between Zach Werenski, who had the second most with 81, while Bouchard peaked at 95.
When the news broke that Bouchard was not one of the finalists for the award, it sparked a quick reaction on social media.
Kevin McCurdy
Kevin McCurdy
@KevinMcCurdy
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The hypocrisy of this award is on full display on two fronts: 1. If it's a point scoring award (which is basically has been for the past 20 years), not including Bouchard here is a massive snub. In that timeframe the points leader won 11 times, second won it 4 times, and the Show more

NHL
NHL
@NHL

The James Norris Memorial Trophy finalists are in! 🏆 #NHLAwards The trophy is presented annually to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position.

2026 NHL Awards logo. White and gold text reading, \u201CJames Norris Memorial Trophy finalists\u201D. Below, players are shown with their photo, name, number, position, and team logo. \n\n\u201CRasmus Dahlin, BUF, #26, D.\nCale Makar, COL, #8, D.\nZach Werenski, CBJ, #8, D\".\n
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To all the “Bouch doesn’t play defence” commenters – It’s a tired and old narrative. Bouchard was in the 75th percentile of defensive impacts this year. Played a ton of PK. And obviously was in the 100th offensively. It’s an absolutely stacked field, but he deserved to be there. – BlueOil99 via X
The only voted award that hasn’t lost all credibility for me is the Lindsay. The goal posts on all the others move every single year. No one actually knows the criteria anymore. – StevenGWalton via X
Bouchard not even being a Finalist is toughhhhh. – Jonny Lazarus via X
His detractors, who believe he’s the worst defenceman in today’s game, of course, feel these are all the right nominations. They’ll fault him for his turnovers, while Werenski (125) had two more giveaways than Bouchard (123). The snub even prompted the main Edmonton Oilers social media accounts to post a highlight reel of his play and tag the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Historically, the award has gone to the defenceman who puts up high offensive numbers. Typically to a player who’s capable of moving the puck forward as efficiently as Bouchard does. But for others, that’s just enough for the Oilers blueliner to be nominated for such a prestigious award.
The worst award snub in recent NHL history. – Kailer.Memeamoto via Instagram
Not being a finalist is laughable. I get the narratives won’t want him to be recognized as the best defenseman, but no mention is brutal. – Talmanyoung
He deserves an award for turnovers. I don’t know anyone else with that many points that regularly fails at playing defense. Maybe they should look at moving him to the wing. – Sliptanked via Instagram
It’s for the best defensemen, he doesn’t play defense, great goal scorer though, he should play forward. – Kori_handy_ via Instagram
Makar, Werenski, Hughes, Hutson and Dahlin all have similar turnover numbers. Why you may ask? BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE PUCK MOST OF THE TIME! I’m sorry but you can’t move the goalposts when it doesn’t fit the NHL’s narrative. Objectively Bouchard should’ve been a finalist at the very least over Makar. I love Makar but he is only here based on his reputation and name. – Jesseclaytonn_ via Instagram
Bouchard is an enigma , he’s good at creating offence but his defense is awful , and his plus minus is great. – Wayne McDavid Morin via Facebook
Work on his defensive skills in off season and next year maybe an candidate. You’re a defensemen not a forward. Play your position more to overcome weaknesses. – Francis Blonar via Facebook
There is more to hockey then just offence. Bouchard is terrible defensively. Being gifted pk time (tho sucking at it) doesn’t make him good defensively
So it’s no surprise he doesn’t make the grade despite big offensive numbers. Hockey is about more then just offence. – Andrew Hofer via Facebook
Bouchard’s play has always been a polarizing topic. However, it’s interesting to see fans suggest he should be converted to a winger, even though there’s possibly only one case of that ever happening in the NHL. His instincts are to play the puck from the blue line and create decisions from that area. That’s not something that can just be adjusted after becoming a winger.
One could argue that he was snubbed, as he met the criteria for nomination, but one could also argue that the others nominated deserved it as well, and that there were other defencemen like Moritz Seider, for example, who also got snubbed. Bouchard’s player, however, will remain a highly debated topic around hockey circles for years to come.

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