2018 NHL draft prospect profile #9: Evan Bouchard
With the NHL entry draft fast approaching, we at the The Canuck Way will leave no stone unturned when it comes to looking at each and every prospect that the Canucks might consider for their selection. Today we look at Evan Bouchard, a player that has even the best of hockey minds divided.
There are two words that make every hockey executive go weak at the knees. And no, I’m not talking about the words “Stanley Cup” (those words only make people want to jump into fountains). The two words I’m talking about are “big” and “skilled”.
While much has changed in the way players are evaluated (smaller players are now getting to see the light of day in the NHL), players with size and skill are still treasured above all else. Which brings us to today’s specimen of interest Evan Bouchard.
The guy looked like a man amongst boys (seriously, If I was a bouncer at a bar I wouldn’t bother ID’ing him because he looks like he is 30) playing in the OHL this year. In fact, the OHL coaches voted him first in the best offensive defenceman and hardest shot categories. He was also voted the third smartest player in the league.
Clearly he has many things going for him, but yet there remains a solid amount of skepticism about how he’ll play in the NHL. Why?
Simply put, Bouchard’s skating is average. Former colleague Harman Dayal did a shift by shift breakdown of how atrocious Bouchard’s skating is, which paints Bouchard in a bit of a bad light.
Sure his skating is not where you want it to be, but if scouts were truly concerned about it, he would not be ranked so high on everyone’s lists. Just take it from TSN prospect guru Craig Button, who is adamant that Bouchard’s skating is a non-issue. He is an excellent prospect, and as you will see below, many have a high regard for him.
The stats rundown
*Counting stats provided by EliteProspects
Height:188 cm/6’2″
Weight: 87 kg/192 lbs
Birthdate: October 20, 1999
Position: Defenceman
Handedness: Right
Team (league): London Knights (OHL)
Rankings:
#4 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA)
#9 by Cam Robinson (Dobber Prospects)
#5 by Bob McKenzie (April Rankings)
| GP | G | A | P |
| 67 | 25 | 62 | 87 |
Any way you slice it, his offensive numbers are simply outstanding. In fact, he is the first draft eligible defenceman since Ryan Ellis in 2009 to put an 80+ point season. If Bouchard was a forward his numbers would be impressive, but the fact that he is a defenceman make it even more of a coup.
Sometimes defenceman have higher offensive numbers as a byproduct of playing with highly skilled players, but that is not the case with Evan Bouchard. The usually strong London Knights were rather meager this year, especially after trading their star players (and top NHL prospects) like Robert Thomas, Cliff Pu, and Max Jones.
With these players and more traded away, Bouchard was named captain and started to lead the Knights in all facets of the game. He led the Knights in scoring by 30 points. Again, its one thing if a forward did that for his junior team, but it is a whole lot tougher to do that as a defenceman.
In particular, his even strength play was really strong. He was very responsible in his own zone, producing a staggering 50 even strength points. This is another great sign, as he clearly did not depend on the powerplay to pad his stats.
Scouts mention his IQ for the game and his beautiful passing, and his 62 assists can attest to that. His numbers show that he has elite hockey sense and based on how his production is spread he has a good chance of being a top end producer in the NHL.
Scouting reports
Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects:
"More from DraftRecapping the Canucks picks from rounds five to sevenCanucks take Daimon Gardner in fourth roundCanucks select Elias Pettersson in third roundCanucks select Jonathan Lekkerimäki with 15th overall pickFive players the Canucks could draft with the 15th overall pickA highly intelligent all-around defenceman that plays with poise and can shift the pace of play in a multitude of ways. Showcases smooth four-way skating ability and loves to get involved in all situations – especially when that situation happens to be an up-ice rush. Has a polished offensive skill-set which includes well-timed passes and a sneaky, erratic shot. Goes with the high percentage play and makes smart decisions. Could work on strength behind his shot. Defensively active, cutting off lanes and always staying in excellent positioning. Reads cues well in all three zones and seems to stay a step ahead. All-in-all, a well-rounded defender with great hockey sense and work ethic.him."
Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects:
"A highly intelligent all-around defenceman that plays with poise and can shift the pace of play in a multitude of ways. Showcases smooth four-way skating ability and loves to get involved in all situations – especially when that situation happens to be an up-ice rush. Has a polished offensive skill-set which includes well-timed passes and a sneaky, erratic shot. Goes with the high percentage play and makes smart decisions. Could work on strength behind his shot. Defensively active, cutting off lanes and always staying in excellent positioning. Reads cues well in all three zones and seems to stay a step ahead. All-in-all, a well-rounded defender with great hockey sense and work ethic.him."
What we think
If Evan Bouchard possessed above average skating ability, he would have definitely been considered for second, maybe even first overall. A guy with his size and talent does not come around very often.
In terms of the Vancouver Canucks, they desperately need help on the blueline. Evan Bouchard would be a fantastic fit in terms of both skill and chemistry. Bouchard played his 17-year-old OHL season on a pairing with Canucks prospect Olli Juolevi. With their familiarity and hockey IQ, this could be a strong pairing for the Canucks for a long time.
Additionally, Bouchard could also help turn the Canucks powerplay into juggernaut. With Boeser on the left side, Pettersson on the right, and Bouchard at the top, they could give the opposing team nightmares in terms of who to cover. All three are serious threats to score (similar to how the Washington Capitals have their powerplay formation).
However, the only concern for the Canucks is can Bouchard handle playing the likes of fast players like Connor McDavid and Johnny Gaudreau? If selected, he will get a healthy dose of those players for many years and if skating doesn’t improve, we could see him turnstiled often.
Next: 2018 NHL draft profile #10: Adam Boqvist
The question is do the Canucks need a dynamic flashy defenceman who can put up points or do they need a more sturdy, all round defenceman who can put up points? We at The Canuck Way feel the Canucks need a defenceman. Period. So if Bouchard is available and the scouting staff see him as the best fit, then we have zero problem with it.