Edmonton Oilers Talk: Bouchard and Which Oilers Will Be at the Winter Olympics in 2022?

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The Hockey Writers (Swane)

5 Oilers That Could Play in the 2022 Beijing Olympics

Connor McDavid, the NHL’s reigning point scoring champ and Hart Trophy recipient, would lead Canada in its pursuit to reclaim gold. The 24-year-old centre has previously represented his country several times, winning gold at three different levels: U18 Worlds (2013), World Juniors (2015), and the World Championship (2016).
Darnell Nurse wasn’t among the leading names being discussed for a place on Team Canada, but that all changed after a fantastic season from the Oilers rearguard, who scored 16 goals (second among defencemen) while logging 1,435 minutes (third among all skaters) in 2020-21. TSN’s Craig Button included Nurse in a recent projection of the 2022 Canadian Olympic roster, slotting the 26-year-old on the left side of Canada’s third defensive pairing opposite Dougie Hamilton.
Tyson Barrie has never even been in the Canadian conversation, but after leading all NHL defenceman in points (48) last season when he paired with Nurse, could Barrie catch a ride on his partner’s coattails to Beijing?
Jesse Puljujarvi was always likely to be named to the 2022 Finnish Olympic men’s hockey team, but the Oilers winger secured his spot with a breakout season in 2020-21. That’s when he returned to Edmonton after a year back home in the Liiga, and produced NHL career-highs of 15 goals and 25 points in 55 games. The 23-year-old has a terrific international resume, winning two gold medals in 2016, at World U18s and World Juniors.
Leon Draisaitl is arguably the best player on the planet that doesn’t have a Canadian birth certificate. The native of Cologne might have to be even better than that if Germany is to make it back-to-back appearances on the podium after winning a surprising silver at the 2018 Olympics.

BLH’s Thoughts: This isn’t the ’87 Canada Cup, so there won’t be a plethora of Edmonton Oilers making Team Canada. Sorry Tyson, as good as you are, I do not believe you’ll be getting picked over Makar, Doughty, Pietrangelo, or Dougie Hamilton if they’re all healthy.

I’m a little surprised that Zach Hyman was left off the list given how much his name has received consideration for the squad. That said, I don’t think he’d make it either since there are probably three or four other LWers who are better hockey players that should be available.

If Kailer Yamamoto is having a good season, does he get consideration for Team USA? What about Mike Smith? If he recaptures last season’s form, does he get some thought since he was part of the Olympic program in 2014?

Oilersnation (Laing)

Edmonton Oilers player review and 2021-22 preview: Evan Bouchard

Before joining the Oilers ahead of the 2020-21 season, Bouchard lit it up in the Swedish second league playing for Södertälje SK in the HockeyAllsvenskan. In 23 games, he scored six goals, 17 points and somehow an impressive 76 PIM.
After joining the Oilers, he probably played less than he would’ve liked to but when he broke into the lineup, he made his impact felt. In 14 games last year he scored two goals and five points — four of which points came at 5×5.
All signs point towards Bouchard being an everyday player in the Edmonton Oilers lineup next season and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see him be an impact player, even in a third-pairing role.
He showed signs of brilliance last year and that’s exactly what you want to see out of young players. He moves the puck very efficiently, he can walk the blue line in the offensive zone where has a very deceptive shot, and his solid defensive zone play. Don’t be surprised to see Bouchard kill penalties, either.

BLH’s Thoughts: How long has it been since the Edmonton Oilers produced a defenseman that pundits and fans alike are expecting big things from? Justin Schultz? Oscar Klefbom? Darnell Nurse? Paul Coffey?

I mean, we’re talking about a potential top-pairing defender here. A blueliner that can produce upwards of 60pts in a year and anchor a pairing on defense with Darnell Nurse. When’s the last time the Oilers had one of those?

I think his performances in 2021-22 are going to garner a bit of extra media attention, but with that I hope the coaching staff and management don’t get too excited and accelerate his responsibilities.

The Daily Goal Horn

NHL Rumors: Who will be the Senators captain

There appears to be an obvious choice for captain and that is Brady Tkachuk. Even Owner Eugene Melnyk hinted at that recently on the Bob McCown podcast. “That’s going to be what we’re thinking about all summer and whether he’s the person for that.”

Anaheim Ducks ready to make moves?

Eric Stephens did a follow up mailbag post in The Athletic where he was pressed for more information on his previous reports concerning the Ducks and Jack Eichel.
- “Details on discussions Murray has had with Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams are tough to procure but I do think there has been some level of talks beyond tire-kicking. From what I understand, any talk that includes Trevor Zegras (or Jamie Drysdale) ends quickly. A return of four top assets for an injured player is another obstacle. In that sense, waiting could help bring Adams’ asking price down, because Eichel’s no-move clause kicks in next summer.”
John Gibson could eventually ask for a trade if things don’t turn around in Anaheim. The 28 year-old is signed for the next six seasons with an AAV of $6.4M.

James Neal a Lightning fit?

Tampa really doesn’t have cap space but Neal may be a likely PTO candidate. He could impress enough to earn a 1-year deal at $1 million or less if one of the younger kids fails to impress during camp.

Eichel changes agents

Elliotte Friedman is reporting that Jack Eichel has changed his representation from Peter Fish and Peter Donatelli to Pat Brisson.
Eichel’s move to one of the game’s most powerful sports agents is a clear indication of just how frustrated he is with his current situation.
Speaking with a former team executive, they agreed that this was the move Eichel needed to make. Calling Brisson a “true professional” and just exactly what this situation needs.