In this age of hockey, there is an embarrassment of riches for young defenseman across the NHL.
There are two blueliners on opposite ends of the continent that have proved to be vital assets for their respective teams.
Edmonton Oilers’ d-man Evan Bouchard and Noah Dobson of the New York Islanders are establishing themselves as excellent weapons at both ends of the rink.
However, a fun debate amongst fans asks which of the two right-handed shot players would they prefer.
Both are having outstanding seasons, offensively. Dobson sits fourth in scoring among defenseman with 58 points in 55 games, while Bouchard is fifth with 53 points in 53 games. Bouchard’s 14 goals has him tied for second in goals among blueliners, one behind MacKenzie Weegar of the rival Calgary Flames. Dobson is only second to Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks in assists, with the Islanders’ young star having 51 so far.
On Thursday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk debate who they would rather have in their lineup.
Frank Seravalli: As much as I like Bouchard, as well as he has played on [the Oilers] power play, I think Dobson is a bit more dynamic, and he plays with more urgency than Bouchard. Some of it’s eye test, some of it’s personal preference. They’re obviously pretty close.
Tyler Yaremchuk: I think as we look ahead to the 4 Nations Face-Off next year, and the Olympics the year after that, Dobson is starting to feel like he’s an absolute lock to make that Canadian Olympic Team. Bouchard, I’m still not 100% if he’ll be in the mix for those Olympic and 4-Nations teams. I think my answer is Dobson, too. He’s playing almost 26 minutes a night.
You can watch the full segment, and the entire episode here…
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