There are few things in the National Hockey League that draws the ire of so many quite like an offensive defenceman. Some of the most divisive players within fandoms are their team's top pairing puck mover but in many cases, these are the most valuable assets on the backend.
For the Edmonton Oilers, that is Evan Bouchard to a tee. He is a lightning rod for criticism despite being a star and the best defenceman that has graced an Oilers jersey probably since Chris Pronger nearly 20 years ago.
That is why, Bouchard deserves a chance to be on Team Canada at the upcoming 2026 Olympic games, even if it is just as a seventh defender.