Time to step up. Time to mature.

The Edmonton Oilers’ fanbase was thrilled by Evan Bouchard’s performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Scoring a goal and assisting, playing 27 minutes, and contributing to the Oilers’ comeback effort after falling behind 3-0 was impressive.

Yet, some critics, including former NHL star Paul Coffey, noticed Bouchard’s early-game struggles. The Leafs took a 3-0 lead, partly due to Bouchard’s turnovers and mishandling of the puck.

One such critic was none other than Coffey, who often mentors Bouchard:

“I talk to Bouch a lot. Give him his space a lot of times, too. But we did speak (Sunday) about his game,” revealed Paul Coffey. “He nailed it bang on: Didn’t have a great first, but had a big second and third.”

While Bouchard’s second and third periods were strong, the Oilers ultimately lost the game in the first period. This inconsistency poses a significant challenge for the team’s overall performance.

Or for their playoff standings.

The Oilers have seen offensive stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl transition into well-rounded, professional players over the years. McDavid, now known for his all-around game, has demonstrated defensive prowess alongside his scoring ability. Similarly, Draisaitl has grown to dominate all aspects of the ice.

Bouchard, 25 years old and with extensive NHL and playoff experience, now faces a similar challenge.

It’s time for Bouchard to be as consistent in his own end as he is in setting up goals elsewhere.

He must perform at his best all the time, not just occasionally.

According to Coffey:

“It’s on him,” Coffey said. “Because there are times he does it to perfection, and I will tell him when he comes off the ice, ‘You’re as good as anybody when you play like that. Anybody in the league.’”

Coffey points out that Bouchard’s technical issues stem from a lack of footwork:

“Evan does have it all, but he gets himself in trouble when he stands still. Makes passes standing still. Once he gets moving, he’s as good as anybody out there.”

Bouchard’s career statistics are impressive, with 317 NHL games and 53 playoff games, including the thrilling and record-breaking 2024 playoffs.

However, recent inconsistencies have affected his reputation. He didn’t make Canada’s team for the Four Nations Face-Off, nor is he being considered for a fill-in role with the team. Analytics would likely name Bouchard the captain, but current evaluations suggest otherwise.

Coffey reflects on Bouchard’s playoff performance, noting the stark contrast between his recent play and his postseason heroics:

“I looked at him on that bench, and I said, ‘You’ve got this,’” Coffey recalled. “I knew, once he gets that puck on the stick, nobody’s going to make a better play than him. Nobody’s going to make a cooler play than him. But I challenged him. I said, ‘You’ve (bleep)ing got this?’ He goes, ‘Yeah!’”

Consistency is crucial for a team aiming to win the Stanley Cup. Bouchard’s individual performance directly impacts the Oilers’ chances.

Bouchard leads the NHL in shot attempt differential and ranks among the top defensemen in various advanced metrics. However, his lack of power-play goals this season highlights areas for improvement.

Coffey emphasizes the importance of Bouchard taking decisive actions on the power play:

“If you get the puck from Connor, he doesn’t want it back. He gives it to you to gain territory, or to do something with it. If you just give it back to him in the same spot, we’ve accomplished nothing.”

Despite recent setbacks, Coffey remains optimistic about Bouchard’s future:

“He’s growing, and he’s only going to get better,” Coffey said of his protégé. “Once he figures it out between his ears, he’ll be even better.”

The time has come for Bouchard to demonstrate his full potential.

He needs to lead the charge, not follow.

Considering Bouchard’s abilities and experience, there is no doubt he can achieve great things for the Oilers. The key lies in his consistent performance both defensively and offensively.

Will Bouchard rise to the challenge? Only time will tell. But with support from his mentors and dedication to improvement, Bouchard has the opportunity to become one of the NHL’s premier defensemen.

As the Oilers look to secure victories and a playoff spot, Bouchard’s growth will be crucial. Fans, analysts, and coaches alike are watching closely. It’s Bouchard’s turn to shine.

Share your thoughts on Evan Bouchard’s journey in the comments below. What do you think it will take for him to reach the next level?