Bouchard Targets Defensive Growth After 95-Point Season
The Oilers defenseman says simpler decisions and fewer high-risk plays are his priorities under new coach Mike Babcock.
Evan Bouchard led all NHL defensemen with 95 points last season and finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting. His priority for 2026-27 is improving at the other end of the ice.
Bouchard said Wednesday at Rogers Place that he expects his offense to come, but wants to “focus on the defensive side of things first.”
Bouchard said he wants to prevent mistakes from accumulating by making the simple play more often instead of always looking for a high-risk option.
The Oilers have less preparation time than usual. Changes to the collective bargaining agreement shortened training camp to less than two weeks, with four preseason games before Edmonton opens the regular season Sept. 29 against Vancouver.
Bouchard also is learning a new system under head coach Mike Babcock, with D.J. Smith joining the staff as associate coach. Bouchard worked with Smith when both were with Team Canada at the 2026 World Championship in Switzerland.
Bouchard described Babcock as direct and organized. He said the coach wants to improve his game without changing what already makes him effective.
