Should Oilers’ Evan Bouchard Make Team Canada? A Friday Four Analysis

NHL Insights: The Friday Four

1. Evan Bouchard for Team Canada?

   • Evan Bouchard, the Edmonton Oilers defenseman, is a hot topic for Team Canada’s roster at the Four Nations Face-Off. He has fierce supporters and critics. His game shows a mix of impressive plays and costly mistakes. Bouchard is among the best offensive defensemen, with 146 points in 140 games since the 2022-23 postseason. He adds value to the power play and can play with top talent without being overwhelmed.

   • However, his high turnover rate raises concerns. He ranks 14th in the NHL with 35 turnovers. Critics cite his critical mistakes, especially during key moments. For instance, he turned the puck over late in a close game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading to a tying goal.

   • If selected, it would be wise to use him strategically, similar to how Canada used P.K. Subban at the 2014 Olympics. He could be valuable in offensive situations but should be limited in high-pressure defensive scenarios.

2. Chris Kreider’s Value to the Rangers

   • Chris Kreider has seen his name in trade rumors for the New York Rangers. His scoring ability is significant, with 52, 36, and 39 goals in the last three seasons. He is on pace for another strong year with 39 goals.

   • Kreider’s contract is reasonable at $6.5 million for two more seasons. Historically, he has stepped up in key playoff moments, making his experience invaluable for the Rangers. He is also a franchise leader, likely to finish among the top in games played and goals scored for the team.

   • While the Rangers have struggled, moving Kreider would be unwise. His scoring is hard to replace, and he remains a crucial part of the Rangers’ playoff ambitions.

3. David Pastrnak’s Struggles in Boston

   • David Pastrnak has had a slow start this season, with only eight goals, including just two in the last 15 games. This drop is concerning for the Bruins as they strive for a playoff spot.

   • His shooting percentage is at a career-low of 8.6%, well below his average of 13.7%. He leads the league in shots on goal, indicating that he will likely start scoring again.

   • His performance has been affected by the underwhelming play of teammates like Pavel Zacha. The Bruins’ power play also struggles, sitting at 32nd in the league. Improvement in his and his teammates’ production will be vital for Boston’s success.

4. Macklin Celebrini: A Bright Spot for San Jose

   • Macklin Celebrini has sparked hope for the San Jose Sharks. With 11 points in 13 games this season, he shows promise as a No. 1 center. The Sharks are performing better than last year and have added veteran Alex Wennberg to provide support.

   • Celebrini is not alone; other young talents like William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund are stepping up. The Sharks also boast a strong goaltending prospect in Yaroslav Askarov.

   • Compared to other teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens, the Sharks appear to be on a more positive trajectory. Celebrini is a key reason for the optimism surrounding San Jose’s future.