EDMONTON, AB - Evan Bouchard is one of the top-scoring blueliners in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan this season, but he says his primary focus has been on improving his defensive play.
The Oilers 10th-overall pick from the 2018 NHL Draft told Sportsnet's Gene Principe this week the larger ice surface in Sweden has allowed him to work on his gap control and commitment to coverage.
Bouchard has played 23 games for Sodertalje SK, and despite his defence-first mindset, he's still the second-highest-scoring blueliner in the league with six goals and 11 assists.
"You've got to make sure your strengths stay your strengths, and (offence is) definitely a strength of mine," Bouchard told Principe. "But I came over here really focusing on trying to work on the defensive end. I'm really trying to learn what I can here while trying to keep up the offence... The big ice is something I had to get used to, but I think in the long run it's going to help me adjust really well going back home."
Sodertalje, who sits third in HockeyAllsvenskan with 40 points, has one more game on Dec. 16 before a 10-day break for the holidays, and Bouchard said he would likely return to Edmonton at that time to quarantine in time for Oilers training camp, which could start as early as Jan. 3.
The 21-year-old played all 54 of his games last season with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors and plans to make a strong push for an NHL roster spot this year, contending with fellow right-shot defencemen Adam Larsson, Ethan Bear and Tyson Barrie.
"I'm really excited," Bouchard said. "I want to be able to help out the team in any way they need me to. Getting to hopefully represent the Oilers this year is an exciting feeling... I think coming into camp having games played is going to help me."
FUTURE WATCH: Bouchard banking on Swedish experience
Defence prospect has been honing his craft in HockeyAllsvenskan as he prepares for Oilers training camp
