Evan Bouchard Defended By Connor McDavid Over Norris Snub

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard received high praise from teammate Connor McDavid, who argued Bouchard should have won the Norris Trophy in 2025-26 instead of being left off the finalist list. Bouchard led all NHL blueliners with 95 points (21 goals, 74 assists) and a +25 rating last season. Having shaken his early reputation as strictly an offensive specialist, Bouchard is now relied upon heavily in all situations and is once again leading defensemen in points early in the 2026-27 campaign.