Babcock pushing Bouchard to be even better for Edmonton Oilers
The sky appears to be the limit for Evan Bouchard.
It was another excellent outing for the Edmonton Oilers’ top defenseman, as Bouchard notched two goals and an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. He now sits atop the NHL with six goals, and isn’t far behind Connor McDavid for the league lead in points with 11 through four games.
On top of that, his play on the defensive side of the puck has been magnificent as well, tied for third in the NHL with a +10. Everything seems to be going right for Bouchard, but head coach Mike Babcock thinks he can get even better.
That may not seem possible at the moment, but the Oilers coach was very adamant when asked about his top defender following the big win.
“Bouch can be way better,” Babcock told reporters. “He’s got a growth opportunity here… We just got to get him to be a little more competitive defensively, and he’s already working towards that.”
"Dev had a couple great stops when you needed them… All in all I felt like we didn't give up too much, kept playing simple & the right way for the most part."
Leon Draisaitl weighs in on the #Oilers ability to hold the Ducks off in the third.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/w1aBhPVi0j
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 8, 2026
Bouchard’s defensive game has long been a sticking point for many across the league. While he is undoubtedly one of the game’s most elite offensive defenders, his detractors have been quick to point out his perceived defensive mishaps, although that has not been the case early on this season.
Though Babcock’s comments could be perceived as a bit harsh considering the start Bouchard has been having, he did say some pretty nice things to say as well.
“There’s no question he should be in the running for the Norris every year, he’s that good,” Babcock said of Bouchard. “He’s an elite player already, way better than people think, but he’s way more competitive, and he’s got great pride, and he wants to get better.
“Anytime you want to get better, when you got an elite brain and elite skill, you’re going to get better, so good for him.”
Though he led all defensemen in scoring last year, putting up an incredible 95 points, Bouchard didn’t get nominated for the Norris Trophy. It seems as though that has lit a fire under him this year, as he has easily been one of the best players in the league to start the new season.
Leon Draisaitl marveled at Bouchard’s game after the Oilers victory, and commented a bit on how polarizing he is across the league.
“He just makes the right play nearly every time,” Draisaitl told reporters. “His poise with the puck is second to none. Talked about him a lot over the last little bit.
“It’s pretty funny how he’s viewed around the league in my eyes, but people can continue to see it that way, and we’ll gladly have him on the ice.”
"Dev had a couple great stops when you needed them… All in all I felt like we didn't give up too much, kept playing simple & the right way for the most part."
Leon Draisaitl weighs in on the #Oilers ability to hold the Ducks off in the third.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/RQiiA0w43A
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 8, 2026
If Babcock is right and Bouchard can indeed get better, the Norris Trophy won’t be the only award he could be taking home at the end of the season.