Connor McDavid Makes It Clear: Evan Bouchard’s Presence and Performance Are Crucial to the Edmonton Oilers’ Championship Aspirations

When Connor McDavid speaks, the Edmonton Oilers — and the hockey world — listen. As the face of the franchise and arguably the most dominant player in the NHL, McDavid doesn’t throw around praise lightly. So when he singles out a teammate for their impact and importance, it says something meaningful. That’s exactly what happened this postseason, as McDavid repeatedly emphasized just how crucial defenseman Evan Bouchard has become to the success and future of the Edmonton Oilers.

To many casual fans, Bouchard’s rise may seem sudden. But to those inside the Oilers organization — and certainly to McDavid — Bouchard has been a quietly growing force, a player whose combination of poise, offensive instincts, and defensive maturity has helped solidify Edmonton’s blue line. In a postseason where the Oilers came agonizingly close to capturing the Stanley Cup, Bouchard’s contributions were nothing short of monumental. And McDavid, as both leader and witness, wasn’t shy about acknowledging that.

“He’s a huge piece for us,” McDavid said in the days following Edmonton’s Stanley Cup Final run. “The way he sees the game, the way he moves the puck — it’s elite. He doesn’t get rattled, he doesn’t make panic plays, and he’s getting better every night. That’s exactly the kind of guy you win with.”

Indeed, Evan Bouchard’s breakout performance in the 2024-25 NHL season and subsequent playoff run put the league on notice. Logging over 25 minutes per game during the postseason and anchoring the Oilers’ top power-play unit, Bouchard showed the composure of a veteran and the creativity of an artist with the puck on his stick. His ability to transition the puck quickly out of the zone, quarterback the man-advantage, and deliver crisp outlet passes gave Edmonton a different dimension from the back end.

That kind of performance didn’t just appear overnight. Drafted 10th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, Bouchard’s path to top-pairing minutes involved patience, development, and trust. Early in his NHL career, there were flashes of offensive brilliance, but questions remained about his defensive consistency and physical play. Rather than being rushed into a role he wasn’t ready for, Bouchard was allowed to marinate, refine his game, and work closely with the coaching staff to round out his skillset.

This season, all of that work paid off. Paired often with Mattias Ekholm, Bouchard blossomed into a top-tier defenseman, finishing among the league leaders in defenseman scoring and proving he could handle the weight of playoff hockey. He was a pivotal reason the Oilers were able to shut down elite opposition, transition quickly through the neutral zone, and keep McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in positions to succeed offensively.

What makes Bouchard’s rise even more critical is what it means for the Oilers’ larger ambitions. With a core that includes McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and goaltender Stuart Skinner, Edmonton’s window to win a championship is wide open — but not infinite. Having a dependable, dynamic presence like Bouchard on the back end isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.

McDavid knows that. As the team’s captain and someone who’s lived through the frustration of early playoff exits and defensive shortcomings, McDavid understands the value of a blueliner who can break a forecheck with a single pass or walk the blue line with confidence under pressure. That’s Bouchard, and it’s why McDavid has repeatedly underscored his importance not only as a player but as a teammate and competitor.

“He’s one of those guys who just gets it,” McDavid said during a postgame media scrum in the Western Conference Finals. “It’s not flashy — although sometimes it is — but it’s just effective. He makes the right play nine times out of ten, and when he doesn’t, he learns from it fast. That’s rare in young defensemen.”

Bouchard’s playoff numbers support that praise. He finished the postseason among the team’s leaders in assists and plus-minus, routinely matched against top competition, and played huge minutes in every situation — power play, penalty kill, and late-game shutdown. The trust Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch placed in him was evident every time Edmonton needed a key play or a calm presence when the intensity ramped up.

Off the ice, Bouchard’s influence continues to grow. His quiet demeanor and focus on preparation have earned respect in the dressing room, and teammates note his calmness under pressure and analytical approach to the game. He’s not loud or flashy in the room, but when he speaks, it’s thoughtful and respected. That’s not always common in players just a few years into their careers, and it speaks volumes about Bouchard’s character.

As the Oilers enter what may be their most pivotal offseason yet, Bouchard’s role as a cornerstone can’t be overstated. With rumors swirling about roster changes, free agency, and possible retooling, Edmonton knows it has at least one certainty: Bouchard is part of the present and future core. And McDavid’s vocal endorsement is part of that internal shift — an understanding that this team isn’t just about star power up front, but balance and brilliance from the blue line back.

That belief becomes even more important when you consider the style Edmonton wants to play. The Oilers thrive in transition, using speed and skill to generate high-danger chances. But that system only works when it starts with clean zone exits and quick puck movement. Bouchard enables that. He’s the type of defenseman modern NHL teams covet: one who doesn’t just defend but initiates offense and thinks the game like a forward.

And he’s only getting better. At 25, Bouchard is entering his prime. The offensive instincts that made him a top prospect are now joined by improved decision-making, better defensive awareness, and the experience of battling deep into the playoffs. That’s a scary combination for opposing teams and a dream for a franchise hungry to finally capture the Stanley Cup.

McDavid, now entering his 10th season, knows how hard that climb is. He’s seen what happens when a team lacks depth or structure, especially on the back end. With Bouchard continuing to evolve, McDavid sees a chance to change that narrative — and to build around a defenseman who can be the difference in a seven-game series.

“People talk about goals and assists, but for us, it’s about trust,” McDavid said. “Can you trust the guy beside you to make the right read, to battle, to absorb pressure and make the smart play? With Bouch, the answer’s yes. Every time.”

That trust isn’t just emotional — it’s strategic. When McDavid and Draisaitl are pushing offensively, Bouchard is often the one keeping the puck alive at the point or covering the backdoor when opponents counter. His ability to anticipate danger and jump into the play without sacrificing position is one of the key reasons Edmonton was so dominant on the power play and able to control tempo in tight games.

Looking ahead, Bouchard’s importance will only increase. Whether it’s handling the weight of a new contract, mentoring young defensemen, or logging even more minutes in critical moments, he’s now viewed as one of the foundational pieces in Edmonton’s quest for a championship. And in McDavid’s eyes, there’s no better player for that role.

“He’s built for this,” McDavid said after the Game 7 loss to Florida. “He’s a winner. He’s someone you want on your team when everything’s on the line. We’re lucky to have him.”

Lucky indeed. In a sport where stars often shine brightest in the forward group, Evan Bouchard is proving that greatness can come from the back end — with intelligence, patience, and a perfectly placed pass. And if Connor McDavid — one of the greatest players of all time — believes you’re that important, then there’s no argument left to make.

The Edmonton Oilers’ future runs through Evan Bouchard. Connor McDavid knows it. Now the rest of the hockey world does too.