Jim Parsons Thu, October 29, 2026 at 12:32 AM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connor McDavid made a bold claim ahead of the Amazon Prime Sports matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. He called Evan Bouchard the best defenseman in the NHL last season, saying, "He shouldn't have been a finalist last year; he should have won."
McDavid was, of course, talking about the Norris Trophy. Bouchard was overlooked after scoring the most points as a defenseman in the NHL during the 2025-26 campaign. The finalists were Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Werenski walked away with the honors.
Bouchard, who led all NHL blueliners with 95 points (21 goals, 74 assists) and a +25 rating during the 2025–26 season, was snubbed.
"He got off to a bad start, no question. Our whole team did, " said McDavid. "I did. Everyone did here in Edmonton. But he is a special player. Makes great plays with the puck. Nobody sees the game better than he does. Plays a lot of minutes. Plays on the kill. Does everything that's asked of him.":
"So as I said, he shouldn't have been a finalist. He should have won."
Given the start to Bouchard's 2026-27 season, one could make an argument he won't be ignored this season. It's early, but Bouchard is tied for fourth in NHL points. He leads all defensemen.
Bouchard's progression has been worth watching. He was once labeled an offensively elite d-man, but not defensively strong; he's since shaken that label. He's not just reliable and solid at both ends of the ice; he's being asked to bring other defensemen along.
As the Oilers showed when they played the Red Wings and he paired with Shakir Muhkamadullin, Bouchard can carry less-defensive partners without hurting his own game. @bcurlok writes , "Coaches should bookmark that. Give the man the responsibility."
Is McDavid correct? Or, is this the case of a teammate being bias?
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Source: Sports
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