FUTURE WATCH:
Bouchard's offseason packed with personal expectation
by Jamie Umbach / EdmontonOilers.com
July 19th, 2018
EDMONTON, AB - There's no bigger motivator than having something to prove.
That's the mindset being held this offseason by Oilers defensive prospect and first-round pick Evan Bouchard, whose linear path to pro took another big step on Tuesday with the signing of his entry-level contract.
"I was really excited," the defenceman said.
"It's another step on the ladder and felt really good to get that done."
The signing of his first professional deal capped off a busy stretch in June and July for the 18-year-old that began when he was drafted 10th overall by the Oilers at the NHL Draft in Dallas.
As for the linear progression, the right-shot defenceman is looking to skip a step by cracking
the Oilers roster on opening night.
"I think it's realistic," Bouchard commented. "It's what I've been working towards all summer -
being ready for camp, making sure I turn heads and hopefully stay up there."
The six-foot-two, 195-pound defenceman has avoided the 'offseason' aspect of summer by
training off-ice from Monday to Friday and skating four times a week in order to meet his goal.
Working on power skating, conditioning and honing other skills like his pinpoint passing and booming slapshot with other prospects from around the Ontario Hockey League has been the
norm for Bouchard after getting his first look at life with the Oilers alongside fellow prospects at Development Camp this past month.
FUTURE WATCH: Bouchard's offseason packed with personal expectation