Evan Bouchard No. 10 NHL Ranking Explained by Ken Daneyko

Evan Bouchard remains one of the NHL‘s most productive defensemen, but his defensive shortcomings continue to generate debate among fans and analysts. Despite leading all NHL defensemen in scoring last season, Bouchard was ranked only 10th in NHL Network’s Top 20 defensemen list for the 2025-26 season.

Evan Bouchard Finished as NHL’s Highest-Scoring Defenseman

Bouchard enjoyed an outstanding offensive campaign, recording 95 points from 21 goals and 74 assists. His production made him the highest-scoring defenseman in the NHL last season.

However, his offensive numbers were not enough to earn him a spot among the Norris Trophy finalists. The award ultimately went to Zach Werenski, while Cale Makar and Rasmus Dahlin finished second and third respectively.

Ken Daneyko Explains Bouchard’s No. 10 Ranking

Three-time Stanley Cup champion Ken Daneyko acknowledged Bouchard’s offensive abilities but explained why the Oilers defenseman was placed 10th in NHL Network’s rankings.

Daneyko described Bouchard as a very capable and intelligent player but pointed to defensive lapses, giveaways and situations where he fails to properly defend opponents around the net.

According to Daneyko, Bouchard can sometimes be caught watching an opposing player instead of lifting the player’s stick, creating opportunities for easy scoring chances.

Despite those concerns, Daneyko suggested that No. 10 might actually be slightly low for Bouchard, while also understanding why the ranking generated debate.

NHL Network’s Top 20 Defensemen for 2025-26

1. Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche
2. Quinn Hughes – Minnesota Wild
3. Zach Werenski – Columbus Blue Jackets
4. Rasmus Dahlin – Buffalo Sabres
5. Miro Heiskanen – Dallas Stars
6. Lane Hutson – Montreal Canadiens
7. Matthew Schaefer – New York Islanders
8. Jake Sanderson – Ottawa Senators
9. Moritz Seider – Detroit Red Wings
10. Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers
11. Charlie McAvoy – Boston Bruins
12. Jaccob Slavin – Carolina Hurricanes
13. Adam Fox – New York Rangers
14. Brock Faber – Minnesota Wild
15. Roman Josi – Nashville Predators
16. Josh Morrissey – Winnipeg Jets
17. Jackson LaCombe – Anaheim Ducks
18. Victor Hedman – Tampa Bay Lightning
19. Shea Theodore – Vegas Golden Knights
20. Devon Toews – Colorado Avalanche

Daneyko’s Advice Could Help Bouchard’s Stanley Cup Ambitions

Bouchard has come extremely close to winning the Stanley Cup with the Oilers, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive seasons against the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.

Across 12 Stanley Cup Final games, Bouchard recorded 12 points, including one goal and 11 assists, along with a +2 plus-minus rating. However, Edmonton ultimately fell short on both occasions.

Daneyko believes Bouchard’s defensive improvement could help him take the next step toward becoming a Stanley Cup champion.

The former New Jersey Devils defenseman emphasized that Bouchard already has the intelligence and ability to be in the right position. The key, according to Daneyko, is maintaining greater concentration when he does not have possession of the puck.

Bouchard Enters Eighth NHL Season

Bouchard is set to enter his eighth NHL season when the Edmonton Oilers open their 2026-27 campaign against the Vancouver Canucks on September 29, 2026.

His offensive impact is already well established, but improving his defensive consistency could determine whether he moves higher in future defenseman rankings and helps Edmonton finally return to the top of the NHL.

Source: Sportskeeda