What Happened
Sportsnet reports that the Edmonton Oilers have not settled on a No. 2 defenceman to play alongside Evan Bouchard, calling it a continuing project for associate coach D.J. Smith, who runs the defence corps. Bouchard has logged 54 minutes with Connor McDavid across three games. Smith said top players want the puck and need defencemen who can move it quickly, pointing to Drew Doughty feeding Artemi Panarin in Los Angeles and Thomas Chabot feeding Ottawa's forwards.
Key Details
- Bouchard has played 54 minutes with McDavid in three games.
- D.J. Smith is Edmonton's associate coach in charge of the defence.
- Smith said top players want the puck and are open only briefly.
- Smith cited Doughty with Panarin in Los Angeles as an example.
- Smith cited Chabot with Stutzle, Tkachuk and Batherson in Ottawa.
What It Means
Edmonton's elite forwards depend on quick, accurate outlets, so the second defenceman alongside Bouchard matters beyond ordinary depth. Smith's comments frame the role as a puck-moving job rather than a purely defensive one, and the search remains open while Bouchard continues to take the bulk of minutes with McDavid.
What's Next
The Oilers continue evaluating options for the No. 2 spot on the right side as the season progresses, with Smith overseeing the defence corps.