Mark Spector goes off on Evan Bouchard's lacklustre defensive play
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The Edmonton Oilers are suffering the aftermath of an ugly 4-3 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Evan Bouchard has landed under the proverbial microscope for his poor defensive effort. Although Evan Bouchard notched a goal and rang one off the post, insider Mark Spector still feels that his overall play needs significant improvement.
According to the Hockey Writers, Bouchard, who is 25 years old, has been one of the most interesting players in recent history in terms of fan appreciation. It seems to be split down the middle between fans that love him, and fans that despise him.
Arguments can be made that he is one of the most dominant offensive-minded in the entire league, but his defensive ability has been questioned by many fans and analysts as he projects to get a massive contract extension as his current deal expires at the end of the 2024-25 season where he becomes a restricted free agent (RFA).
It was recently announced that Alex Pietrangelo will be opting out of the 4 Nations Tournament to focus on the remainder of the season. However, Spector still feels as if though Bouchard's game doesn't justify him as a replacement.
Oilers playing poorly, Evan Bouchard playing somewhere south of that.
Puck error after puck error. Bouchard wasn't ready to play tonight.
If Evan Bouchard's game was where it was a year ago at this time, he'd have been named to Team Canada in the first place. It's just not there - yet? - this season. I do not suspect he gets the call to replace Pietrangelo.
-Mark Spector
Puck error after puck error. Bouchard wasn't ready to play tonight.
If Evan Bouchard's game was where it was a year ago at this time, he'd have been named to Team Canada in the first place. It's just not there - yet? - this season. I do not suspect he gets the call to replace Pietrangelo.
-Mark Spector
Although Evan Bouchard is finding ways to find the back of the net, his defensive play hasn't inspired a ton of hope.
At the end of the day, he will likely sign an extension with the Oilers. They should be looking to bring his asking price way down during negotiations and see if they can bring him back at a reasonable price.
TRENDING NOW
