Oilers' top-4 defense-core rated as best in the NHL by Insiders
Photo credit: Imagn Images
According to The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers' top-4 defenseman as a group are ranked the best in the NHL this season.
The Edmonton Oilers' top-4 are Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, and Jake Walman. In fairness, Walman has been injured to start the year, and has been replaced by Brett Kulak, or Troy Stecher, but when he's played, has been one of the best in the NHL.
Oilers relying on good defense in early part of season
The Oilers have not had the good start to the year they had hoped, going 2-2-1 in its first five games, nor the kind of offense to which it's been accustomed. Yet, were it not for the solid play from its d-core, the team would likely be further down in the Pacific Division standings, where they now sit fourth.
Speaking on Spittin' Chiclets Bob Stuaffer has this to say about the Oilers' defense-core:
«Part of that [what makes them good] is the ability of Jake Walman to transition the puckAs for the price point, I get it, that's the cost of doing business.»
Yet, it's not only Bob Stauffer that believes the Oilers' defense is one of the nest in the league, but is an opinion that is widely-shared by others.
«You need puck movers capable of igniting an attack with this collection of forwards," Travis Yost of TSN said. "And Edmonton has that in spades - now featuring one of the best trade deadline acquisitions of the 2024-25 season in Jake Walman.»
Evan Bouchard, though he receives his share of criticism for his turnovers in the D-zone, is a key element of the Oilers' blueline, whose style of play compliments the teams' perfectly.
Bouchard has scored 32 goals and 149 points in 163 regular season games over the past two seasons, performing at more than a point-per-game. Also, in 59 playoff games, Evan has recorded 17 goals and 72 points in the last 3 post-seasons.
If the Oilers can find its offense and continue to play strong defense, they will have no trouble rising up the Pacific Division to finish first. And Evan Bouchard is the catalyst that makes it work.
Evan Bouchard, though he receives his share of criticism for his turnovers in the D-zone, is a key element of the Oilers' blueline, whose style of play compliments the teams' perfectly.
Bouchard has scored 32 goals and 149 points in 163 regular season games over the past two seasons, performing at more than a point-per-game. Also, in 59 playoff games, Evan has recorded 17 goals and 72 points in the last 3 post-seasons.
«Edmonton boasts a balanced mix of offensive agility and defensive reliability," Bob Stauffer continued, "anchored by Evan Bouchard - a clear franchise defenseman.»
If the Oilers can find its offense and continue to play strong defense, they will have no trouble rising up the Pacific Division to finish first. And Evan Bouchard is the catalyst that makes it work.
«Analysts are falling in love with the play of Bouchard," said Jim Parsons of The Hockey News, "who, while not perfect, is a franchise defenseman with elite offensive skillHe was and is setting records with his playHe's become a legitimate star, even if he's not yet at the level where he's a shoo-in for conversations about the Norris Trophy,»
It won't be long, however, before he is.
