How Has Evan Bouchard Become the Oilers' Difference-Maker?

In some seasons, a player takes another step in his development; in others, he starts to look like he’s finally figured out just how good he can be. Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard seems to be doing the latter. His numbers are impressive, but what's more interesting is how consistently he influences games and how important he has become to everything Edmonton wants to accomplish.

Bouchard added two more points Wednesday night, scoring the overtime winner and assisting on Zach Hyman’s power-play goal in Edmonton’s 3-2 win over Philadelphia. The goal came just 47 seconds into overtime, with Leon Draisaitl setting him up. Through 20 games, Bouchard now has 11 goals and 22 assists. That's 33 points, an extraordinary start for a defenceman.

But I think there's something more worth discussing here than simply his offensive production.

Bouchard Is Becoming a Difference-Maker.

For a while, Bouchard's offensive ability was obvious. He has an excellent shot, sees passing lanes other players might miss, and moves the puck quickly enough to make opposing penalty killers uncomfortable. Those skills haven't suddenly appeared this season. What's happening now is that he's putting them together with a level of confidence and consistency that makes him increasingly difficult to replace.

Edmonton has two of the game's most dangerous offensive players in Connor McDavid and Draisaitl. Having a defenceman who can complement those players, rather than simply get them the puck, is a significant advantage. Bouchard can create offence himself, join the rush, quarterback the power play and make opponents pay when they give him too much room.

That's a pretty useful combination for a team with championship ambitions.

Bouchard's Value Goes Beyond the Points.

Something important is also happening in Bouchard's development. He's no longer just a talented offensive defenceman who occasionally makes a spectacular play. He's becoming one of the players Edmonton can count on to influence a game's outcome.

That doesn't mean every night will be perfect. Defencemen who handle the puck as much as Bouchard will make mistakes. That's part of the territory. But Edmonton needs him to keep playing with that confidence and not become overly cautious when something goes wrong.

At this pace, Bouchard is putting together a career season. More importantly, he's giving the Oilers another genuine difference-maker. Oilers fans know what McDavid and Draisaitl can do. What's becoming increasingly clear is that Bouchard's emergence gives Edmonton another reason to believe it can go a long way. Sometimes a team's championship hopes depend on a player taking that next step. Bouchard looks like he's doing exactly that.