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Oilers Dodge Bullet: Evan Bouchard Status vs. Golden Knights

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Dec 14, 2024 3:55 PM ET

It looks like Evan Bouchard might be in the lineup as the Edmonton Oilers take on the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday afternoon. Bouchard was said to be a game-time decision after being hit awkwardly into the net and the end boards by Ryan Hartman in Thursday’s game versus the Minnesota Wild. Reports were that the Oilers’ defenseman had avoided anything serious, but the fact he might play Saturday is a real bullet dodged for the Oilers.

Bouchard taking warmup so I’d expect he’d play. Game time decision. 2:08 puck drop on @Sportsnet … pic.twitter.com/MCQp75aLUH
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) December 14, 2024

There has been no official update on Bouchard’s status, but if he plays, it will avoid the need to move up Ty Emberson and pair him with Mattias Ekholm.

As good as Emberson has played of late, asking him to take on a huge increase in minutes might have been a significant challenge, even if Emberson has arguably earned the opportunity.

The Oilers have won four straight games since their shutout loss to the Golden Knights, including a 7-1 victory over the Wild on Thursday. Leon Draisaitl scored his league-leading 21st goal and added three assists, extending his streak of multi-point games to four.

Bouchard In vs. Golden Knights a Huge Plus for the Oilers’ Blue Line

Edmonton’s defense has contributed 19 goals this season, second in the NHL behind Columbus. Troy Stecher added his second goal in three games, making it 6-1 during the third period against Minnesota.

In 29 games this season, Bouchard has six goals and 22 points. It’s a slight drop-off from last season’s numbers, but like many Oilers, he’s starting to find his game and producing. Bouchard is in a contract season and is an RFA at the end of the year.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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