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There are some big names on the 2023-24 Edmonton Oilers roster. The team has must-see players in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who continue to wow and put up insane numbers in both the regular season and the playoffs. Quickly climbing the charts is defenseman Evan Bouchard.
Just two seasons ago, Bouchard was an afterthought. Tyson Barrie was the power-play quarterback and Bouchard was the offensively gifted blueliner with a big shot but no guaranteed NHL future. Today, he is delivering clutch performance after clutch performance, with timely goals that play a pivotal role in the team’s playoff success. Tuesday night was another example, scoring in the final minute of the third period to even the Oilers’ playoff series with the Canucks.
???? EVAN BOUCHARD WINS IT ????
— NHL (@NHL) May 15, 2024
His game-winning goal with just 39 seconds left in regulation seals the deal for the @EdmontonOilers as they tie the series in Game 4! #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/UzCK0xtpGx
The Canucks score what could have been a crippling goal in the late stages of the third. Not deterred, Bouchard wasted no time, unleashing a decisive strike just 58 seconds later, in what might be remembered as the goal that turned the tide if the Oilers come back to win this series. When asked how he was able to stay composed, he responded, that it wasn’t ideal for Vancouver to score late and tie the game. But, there was no time to sulk. The Oilers could still win the hockey game, which they did.
Bouchard is Setting Records and a New Bar
Bouchard’s contribution hasn’t been just this one goal. With an impressive stat line that included a game-winning goal, two points, and a notable +2 rating, he showcased his defensive and offensive firepower again — something he has done all playoffs. He has been a top performer in the NHL postseason and leads all defensemen in playoff scoring.
With a staggering 13 points in just 10 games, Bouchard is poised, with no moment too big. He’s got exceptional skill and is making an impact on the ice both offensively and defensively, leading the Oilers in minutes played. He also leads the Oilers in plus/minus, highlighting his importance to the team’s defensive stability and trust he can handle the responsibility.
Bouchard’s playoff pedigree continues to grow, with his latest feat propelling him into elite company among NHL defensemen. With a remarkable career playoff points-per-game average, he ranks second only to legendary Bobby Orr, cementing his place among the game’s greatest talents.
Oilers Have a Future Norris Trophy-Winning Defenseman in Bouchard
As the Oilers clinched a crucial victory in Game 4, Bouchard’s pivotal role in securing the win cannot be overstated. His goal not only brought his team back into the series, but he’s getting involved in every area of the game. This is a player who is cool, calm, collected, and read of the big stage.
He no longer needs a player like Duncan Keith or Mattias Ekholm to stabilize him. He’s come into his own. He proved everyone wrong who thought he couldn’t quarterback a power play and stuck it in the face of those who thought he was one-dimensional.
His next contract is going to be a beast, but the Oilers will cross that bridge when they come to it.
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TODAY'S BEST
'In what world does this make sense?’: Oilers and $63M forward
According to some, throw out the idea that the Edmonton Oilers should pursue Max Pacioretty. A veteran forward who has earned over $63 million over the course of his NHL career has yet to sign an NHL contract and was recently mentioned in a post by David Staples as a possible fit. In a recent post, the Journal noted, “All of the top NHL unrestricted free agents have already signed contracts, but there’s one big name player still available that makes good sense for the Edmonton Oilers to pursue.” Responses have been varied, with a few quite vocal about the Oilers not following Staples’ advice. “In what world does this make sense?????” writes a commenter on a recent post for The Hockey Writers. Another commenter wrote, “Pacioretty is a good journeyman player but he is injury prone now, late in his career. Oilers might be lucky to get 40 games out of him. They should look elsewhere instead of taking a chance on Patches.” Tyler Yaremchuk of Oilers Nation chimed in and said, “He scored five goals in 37 games last year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Can’t stay healthy, very old, very slow.” Yaremchuk then went on a rant, listing several Oilers forwards who would be better than Pacioretty. What About Pacioretty on a PTO? Is there any reason that a team that is looking to get younger and faster, and move out depth pieces that were older and less productive than expected, would revert back to last summer’s strategy? It seems like an odd choice on the surface. Something would have to happen that would make giving Pacioretty a look risk-free. That means only a PTO. Even at that point, should he agree, it would require him to be willing to sign a two-way contract for the league minimum.
Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw
The Pittsburgh Steelers' signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers was an immediately polarizing move that did not sit well with large portions of the fan base. It also did not sit well with one of the team's all-time greatest players, four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw initially referred to the signing of Rodgers as a "joke" and that he should "stay in California and go chew bark" in reference to Rodgers isolating himself in a darkness retreat last year. On Saturday, Rodgers finally had a chance to respond to Bradshaw and did so with a combination of taking the high road, and also trying to make light of it. “I whisper to the gods every single day. I’ve known Terry for a long time, being a part of Fox. Terry’s a legend. He’s an absolute legend. He won four Super Bowls. He’s had a legendary career in the media. But Terry, like a lot of people, doesn’t know me. And so, he’s got an idea of what he thinks about me based on what I’ve done, the documentary, what I’ve said, darkness retreat, whatever the hell you want to talk about. I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level. I feel like if he gave me a chance to get to know him, then we’d have a good friendship." He ended the answer by saying, "So, I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level if he’s open to it. And maybe we can go chew some bark or whatever the hell he’s talking about together.” The Steelers were in a pretty desperate quarterback situation this offseason after completely overhauling the position for a second year in a row. They missed out on the chance to re-sign Justin Fields, let Russell Wilson walk, missed out on every other veteran who changed teams and passed on the opportunity to select a quarterback near the top of a weak quarterback draft class. (They ultimately selected Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round.) The whole Rodgers saga has been quite a soap opera for the Steelers as they waited around for months while he decided on whether or not he wanted to play this season, and if he wanted to play for the Steelers. Add in the fact he has had a tendency to cause some off-field distractions with his comments and weekly "Pat McAfee Show" appearances, as well as the fact he will turn 42 years old this season and hasn't been a top-tier quarterback in three years, and a lot of Steelers fans — and former players — were put off by the idea. The only thing that will matter in the end, however, is how Rodgers plays on the field. He has said all of the right things since joining the team, and his new teammates have all spoken highly of him so far, but it will still come down to results on the field. The Steelers have not won a playoff game in eight years and are facing added pressure each year to end that drought. They are hoping Rodgers has one more good year in him to help them advance in the postseason.
White Sox asking Mets for promising slugger in potential Luis Robert trade
The New York Mets appear to be clicking again, entering Sunday night's game with the San Francisco Giants on a six-game winning streak. This hot stretch has raised the stakes for David Stearns and company ahead of this week's trade deadline; Stearns has already filled one need, landing lefty reliever Gregory Soto from Baltimore, and could be looking to make a few more moves prior to Thursday. One of the more prominent rumors surrounding the Mets is their interest in Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who is having a down year but was an All-Star as recently as 2023. Robert is hitting well right now and has a market, which has led the White Sox to demand a high price from the Mets in trade talks for him. USA Today's Bob Nightengale addressed the Robert trade talks in his Sunday column and mentioned that the White Sox are seeking to acquire Mark Vientos from the Mets in any version of a Robert trade. Vientos, who got off to a cold start to the season, has hit well over the past two weeks, batting .290 with a .732 OPS in 31 at-bats. Robert has also peaked in the month of July, hitting .351 with two home runs, nine RBI, and a .982 OPS in 37 at-bats. While this is admittedly a small sample size, it does offer hope to prospective buyers that Robert can recapture some of his All-Star form with a change of scenery away from the hopeless losing that has consumed the White Sox since the start of the 2024 campaign. Since there are so few center fielders available on the trade market, Chicago has multiple suitors for Robert, who also has two team options for the next two seasons and is still just 27 years old. Setting the Mets' asking price at Vientos indicates the White Sox aren't planning to settle for just minor leaguers as part of a Robert package, which could be richer than what the Mets want to pay right now. While the Mets have the potential to move one of their surplus infielders for a roster upgrade, it doesn't feel like Stearns would want to give up on Vientos, who was one of the team's most dominant hitters in the postseason a year ago, for potentially two months of Robert. Vientos may be best suited to be a designated hitter on the current roster, but he has elite power potential and is under team control through the 2029 season. If the White Sox don't lower the price off of Vientos for a trade, it is possible the Mets look elsewhere to address center field. Other trade options could include Baltimore's Cedric Mullins and a reunion with Harrison Bader, who the Twins will look to shop, while Drew Gilbert's hot July at Triple-A Syracuse offers another internal possibility for the position.
Chicago Sky Announce Angel Reese Update for Indiana Fever Game
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese missed Thursday night's game against the Seattle Storm due to a back injury. It was the second blowout loss in as many games for the Sky, who now sit at 7-17 on the WNBA season, five losses back of a postseason spot. The injury to Reese is a concerning development for a Sky team with little to no margin for error right now. An All-Star for the second straight season, Reese has averaged 13.8 points and 12.5 rebounds in 22 games for Chicago in 2025. As they eye a date with the Indiana Fever on Sunday, the Sky have announced an official Reese update. Seen going through individual drills on Saturday, Reese was on the court seemingly testing out her back ahead of Sunday's afternoon affair in Chicago. Following her morning work, Reese was officially listed as questionable on the injury report. Reese is joined on the injury report by several of her teammates, including rookie guard Hailey Van Lith who was a surprise addition with an ankle injury. As it pertains to Reese, this update should not come as much of a surprise. While she was eventually ruled out against Seattle, she did start the day questionable, which is the same approach Chicago is taking on its latest injury report. That said, Reese not being ruled out a day in advance is good news. It indicates she has a chance to play, which also suggests the injury is not too serious — aligning with comments made by head coach Tyler Marsh who has been reiterating Reese is day-to-day with this back injury. With Caitlin Clark expected to miss this game with a groin injury, the contest could be without both she and Reese.
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