Oilers’ Evan Bouchard finishes 11th in Norris Trophy voting

The Edmonton Oilers blue liner saw his offensive numbers take a hit in the regular season this year, scoring 14 goals and 67 points in 82 games, down from the 18 goals and 82 points he had last year. The hit to his production came at five-on-five, where he scored 1.3 points per hour, down from the 1.52 he had the year prior, and on the power play, where his per hour scoring rate dipped from 7.51 in 2023-24 to 5.8 this year.

At five-on-five, the Oilers also saw a dip in offence with Bouchard on the ice, as his goals for per hour dipped from 3.9 last year to 2.8 this year, and his expected goals for per hour fell from 3.7 to 3.3. All of this can be attributed to an on-ice shooting percentage of 7.88 percent, down from the 10.22 it was last year.

And for as much as his production may have dipped this year, he’s been on a tear in the 2025 playoffs, scoring seven goals — a career-high — and 22 points in 19 games so far. That has him tied for third in playoff points with Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen. Once again, he’s elevated his playoff game in a big way.

From last year to this year in the playoffs at five-on-five, his 0.5 goals per hour rate has stayed the same, but his points per hour has risen from 2.0 to 2.2, as his goals for per hour climbed from 3.75 to 4.15 and his expected goals for per hour has risen from 3.15 to 3.36.

It’s been another coming out party for Bouchard in these playoffs, and people have taken notice — a big reason why this might be the lowest we see him on the Norris ballot in the years to come.

Due for a big raise, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported earlier these playoffs that next contract will pay him at least $10-million per year.