Set to play a massive role at the 2019 World Juniors, Edmonton Oilers first-rounder and current London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard is ready to bring his NHL experience to Team Canada's blue line.
A prolific scorer at the junior level, Bouchard made history last season by becoming the first d-man to ever lead the Knights in scoring with 25 goals and 87 points.
After being selected tenth overall by the Oilers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Bouchard earned a spot on the big club out of training camp. Appearing in seven games, the Oakville, Ontario product notched one goal and averaged 12:21 of ice-time over that stretch.
When Bouchard scored his first career NHL, Ryan McLeod, who the Oilers selected with their second-round pick in the same draft, started a new hashtag around Bouchard’s shot when he sent out a congratulatory tweet to Bouchard.
The #BouchBomb is now a hit in World Junior camp and is a talking point among some of the OHLers on the soon-to-be finalized roster.
Whether it's a hard slapper or a sizzling wrister, Bouchard's shot is arguably one of his strongest characteristics to his game. And as Tim Hunter explained, Bouchard possesses incredible patience with the puck, forcing opponents to respect his shot and his ability to make a crisp pass to an open area if the space permits.
Based on Monday's practice, Bouchard is currently quarter-backing Team Canada's top powerplay unit, meaning Team Canada will be counting on Bouchard’s shot and smarts to put points on the board. Paired at evens with strong defensive mind Marcus Phillips, Bouchard will be given a prime opportunity to let the #BouchBomb fly.
