Oilers broadcaster names reasons why Evan Bouchard is struggling this season
Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard has struggled to play up to expectations this season, and broadcaster Jack Michaels believes his contract negotiations and Team Canada cut could be playing a factor.
Bouchard had a breakout season last year for 18 goals and 82 points, solidifying himself as the blueliner of the future for Edmonton, but this year, his poor play has caused some worry about his next salary.
Oilers broadcaster Jack Michaels believes two off ice factors could be affecting Evan Bouchard
Speaking to the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast today, Oilers broadcaster Jack Michaels touched upon how much Bouchard wanted to play for Team Canada, and how contract negotiations may be getting into his head. Additionally, he's played an incredible amount of hockey in the last 2 years.
I don't think, Evan Bouchard, it's a pressure thing - but perhaps a conglomeration of things. Contract, 4 Nations, and the fact that, like everyone else, he's played a ton of hockey in the last three years.
- Jack Michaels
This season, Bouchard's problem has been fumbling the puck or causing turnovers too frequently, and often in ugly fashion.
It makes sense that to some degree, some off ice factors could be in his head and causing some stress, hesitation, or anything else that would lead to a poor play or fumbled puck.
The pressure to perform for a contract would be a tangible factor when a $10M+ salary is on the line. The disappointment of missing Team Canada, and subsequently trying to prove himself could add to some anxiety too.
Additionally, Michaels' point of Bouchard playing lots of hockey in recent years might specifically apply to Bouchard more than any other player. Bouchard has only played 317 NHL games at 25 years old.
Add in three long playoff runs, and Bouchard has a strange profile of not a league veteran - but also a proven playoff performer. It's a lot of wear and tear on a player who just broke out as a superstar last year, physically and mentally.
Evan Bouchard is still a superstar defenceman despite down scoring year
Bouchard is a defenceman that's often playing with the puck, looking to create offence from the back end with his elite passing and shooting. His defence is underrated too, but his offence is his special talent.
His scoring has dipped a bit this season, with 40 points in 52 games, but getting back to point per game or over will be in the cards for Bouchard.
For now it appears like Bouchard's got a case of the yips, but many in Oil Country still believe he's just having a down season, and can actually improve his game to new heights.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3 | 382 ANSWERS Oilers broadcaster names reasons why Evan Bouchard is struggling this season Do you think Bouchard is a star defenceman? | ||
| Yes, already is | 104 | 27.2 % |
| No, but could be | 219 | 57.3 % |
| Never will be | 59 | 15.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
