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Bouchard did something not seen by an Edmonton Oilers defenceman in 17 years

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Mar 27 2026, 3:10 pm
Bouchard did something not seen by an Edmonton Oilers defenceman in 17 years
Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers are reminding everyone of the offensive firepower they possess.

On Tuesday night, it was the Connor McDavid show, as the Oilers captain scored both the 400th and 401st goals of his career in a 5-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. The second tally also marked the 1,200th point of his illustrious career.

Though not to the same extent, Evan Bouchard was earning all the accolades following Thursday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights. The offensive stalwart finished the game with two points, including the overtime winner.

That marked Bouchard’s 20th goal of the season, and made him the first Oilers defenceman to hit the 20-goal mark since Sheldon Souray did so back in 2008-09. Souray went on to finish that season with 23 tallies.

Bouchard’s previous career high came during the 2023-24 season, where he found the back of the net 18 times and finished with 82 points. He’s already set a new career high in that regard, as well.

Through 73 games, Bouchard now sits at 84 points, putting him on pace for 94. Those 84 points currently top all NHL defencemen, with Zach Werenski sitting second at 77. Cale Makar, who wound up winning the Norris Trophy, led all NHL defencemen in scoring last season with 92 points.

The last time we’ve seen a defenceman put up 94 or more points in a single season came back in 2022-23, where Erik Karlsson posted a career-high 101 with the San Jose Sharks. He, too, was awarded the Norris Trophy for his efforts.

Even more importantly for Bouchard is that he and the Oilers are showing signs of turning things around. They’ve put together a 6-3-1 stretch over their last 10 games, the last five of which have come without Leon Draisaitl.

The Oilers will look to win three in a row for just the second time this season on Saturday afternoon against the Anaheim Ducks. It’s a massive outing, as a regulation win would pull them within three points of the Ducks for the Pacific Division lead.

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