Analyst updates Evan Bouchard's chances of making Team Canada Olympic roster
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Though everything suggests Evan Bouchard should be selected to Team Canada's Olympic squad, analyst Pierre LeBrun believes he won't.
LeBrun shares thoughts on Bouchard's Olympic squad chances
In a new article for the Athletic today, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell revealed his belief that while Bouchard should make Team Canada - he'll be held off for management's tradition of not loading up on skill players.
In international competition, Canada isn't far removed from the Mike Babcock style of coaching. The design and deployment template seeks a low-scoring game. Canada would have an easier time winning Olympic gold by loading up on skill, but you're unlikely to see it in your lifetime. So, Bouchard staying home is the likely scenario.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
In Bouchard's favour, however, the writer and analyst did remind us that the defenseman has consistently been one of the NHL's best offensively-skilled, averaging 75 points a season over the last three, and over a point-per-game in the playoffs.
You'd think that would be enough to get the Olympic nod. Add that when Bouchard is paired with Connor McDavid, the Oilers have a 61% goal share, and average 3.29 goals per 60, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Yet, it's Bouchard consistency with turnovers why LeBrun believes he will be overlooked. He says, Coaches and managers are risk-averse, and that's the No. 1 reason Bouchard is on the outside of Team Canada for the Olympics in 2026.
Not to mention Team Canada will have the services of Cale Makar as their primary puck-moving defenseman.
Still, Bouchard's chances are not entirely hopeless.
Whether or not Bouchard deserves to be in the lineup, is no longer the question now,; it seems to be a matter of fitting into the gameplan.
Evan simply doesn't play the style that Canada's management needs from him.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 662 ANSWERS Analyst updates Evan Bouchard's chances of making Team Canada Olympic roster Will Evan Bouchard get a spot on Team Canada's Olympic roster this winter? | ||
| yes | 170 | 25.7 % |
| no | 492 | 74.3 % |
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