Edmonton Oilers defensemen Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm make the minimize and are ranked in NHL networks ‘High 20 Defensemen Proper Now’. Broadly thought to be among the finest defensive pairings within the league, each Bouchard and Ekholm had profession years final season. Regardless of the Oilers’ protection being closely scrutinized, these two gamers have earned a spot within the High 20. How do their defensive abilities measure up towards the remainder of the league?
After being drafted tenth total in 2018, Bouchard joined the Oilers as a full-time defenseman within the 2021-22 season. In that season, he recorded 43 factors. Taking an enormous step ahead — one thing that was hinted at by his playoff efficiency in 2023 — Bouchard nearly doubled that final season, recording 82 factors. Bouchard was in a position to attain profession highs in each offensive class. He continued his common season dominance into the postseason, the place he broke the file for most assists in a single postseason with 26.
NHL community attributes his profession common season and historic postseason to his Ninth-place rating. Nevertheless, for some, this Ninth place rating doesn’t correctly replicate the skills of Bouchard. Notably, Bouchard had the fifth most Norris Trophy votes final season, a trophy given to the most effective defenseman.
The place is Mattias Ekholm Ranked?
As for Bouchard’s defensive associate, Ekholm, he ranks decrease with a sixteenth place rating. The 31-year-old recorded a profession 12 months final season, logging 45 factors. Ekholm logged the third-best +/- within the league with a +44. The NHL Community credit Ekholm’s rating to his skill to restrict shot makes an attempt towards. The Oilers had been in a position to management 60% of shot makes an attempt whereas he was on the ice, the Ninth highest share within the league.
Since becoming a member of the group in 2023, Ekholm has developed right into a mentor. Many attribute Bouchard’s success to Ekholm’s steering and calming presence. This makes him an extremely worthwhile asset. Moreover, the Bouchard-Ekholm pairing recorded essentially the most quantity of high-danger probabilities for another defensive pairing with 313.
Bouchard and Ekholm have emerged as standout performers on the blue line. When paired collectively, they create one thing particular. Each gamers purpose to take care of their defensive excellence within the 2024-2025 season. Will Bouchard lastly turn into a frontrunner for the Norris Trophy? And might Ekholm sustain his persistently sturdy play? Solely time will inform.
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