As per Sodertalje’s IG account, Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard has been recalled from his loan to the Allsvenskan team and will head to Edmonton for training camp.
According to @SodertaljeSK's IG account, our boy, Evan Bouchard, has left the club and is on his way to Edmonton for #Oilers training camp!#GoOilersGo! pic.twitter.com/8X7DlSB8ht
— B.L.H. (Edmonton Oilers Enthusiast) (@BeerLeagueHeroe) December 12, 2020
Bouchard had a fantastic time over in Sweden’s Allsvenskan division putting up six goals and eleven assists in 23 games. 76 penalty minutes as well… Although, I think some of those PIMs came at the end of a game. Even though, that is a substantial number for only 23 games.
Now that the overseas experience is out of the way for Old Man Bouchard, he can get to work earning a spot on the Oilers’ roster for 2020-21 which might be a bit easier than initially expected.
Kurt Leavins released his “9-Things” blog over at the Cult of Hockey and he had this interesting tidbit to say,
Ethan Bear has been training, yes…but playing? No. Now, I’m not sure Bouchard sticks once the AHL resumes because he still needs to get lots of reps. And Ethan Bear will start in the Top 4. But instead of potentially worrying about his contract Ethan had better be ready to go right out of the gate.
There’s no guarantee that Ethan Bear gets top-4 minutes this year, I’ll say that right off the bat. If Adam Larsson and Tyson Barrie are at peak form, I don’t see how Bear beats them out with regards to overall TOI. Adding to that is the point that Mr. Leavins makes, Bouchard has been playing and Bear hasn’t. Not only that, but Bear hasn’t signed a contract to play yet… If that drags out, Bouchard is near a lock to get that third spot on the right-side I feel.
This upcoming shortened season is crucial for the former London Knights d-man. He has to make his mark or there’s a chance that he could become trade bait in my opinion. All the trade chatter over the past 18 months that included his name are impossible to ignore and the pressure will continue to mount in Edmonton until they become Stanley Cup contenders. If they keep plodding along, Ken Holland will be forced to make a bigger, riskier move and I feel that it might be Bouchard that is the one that gets included in that.
That said, I have full confidence in him. Similar to Bear, players like McDavid and Draisaitl will want to play with him because he can get them the puck fast. People forget (including those within the club) Evan Bouchard might still be this organization’s best passer.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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