Former NHL defenseman James Wisniewski recently shared some controversial opinions regarding two of the league's top defensemen, Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks. Wisniewski's comments, made during an appearance on the Empty Netters podcast, have stirred debate among hockey fans and analysts alike.
Wisniewski was particularly critical of Bouchard, suggesting that the Oilers' decision to sign him to a four-year, $10.5 million per year deal was a significant overpayment. He argued that Bouchard's offensive skills, particularly on the power play, didn't justify the high price tag. Wisniewski went so far as to say that "anyone" could do what Bouchard does on the power play, implying that his contributions weren't unique or irreplaceable. He proposed that the Oilers would have been better off investing in a cheaper power-play specialist and a shutdown defenseman, effectively getting "two for the price of one". Wisniewski even joked that he could run the Oilers' power play himself with a couple of months to get in shape, highlighting his belief that Bouchard's role is overvalued.
These comments sharply contrast with the views of many within the NHL community. In fact, Dom Luszczyszyn, a stats analyst for The Athletic, considers the Oilers' contract with Bouchard "a fantastic deal," recognizing him as one of the game's best offensive defensemen. Similarly, Ryan Whitney, a commentator for Spittin' Chiclets, suggested that Oilers fans who dislike the Bouchard deal should "hand in your sweater," indicating strong support for the player. Furthermore, Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman has defended Bouchard against criticism, stating that he is a "very good player" who is unfairly targeted. Bowman has also praised Bouchard's athleticism, durability, and his ability to play through pain, while also highlighting his improvements on the penalty kill.
Wisniewski also directed criticism toward Quinn Hughes, the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. While his assessment of Hughes was less scathing than his comments about Bouchard, Wisniewski claimed that a team could not win a Stanley Cup with Hughes as their top defenseman. He cited Hughes' smaller frame and perceived lack of physicality as potential liabilities in the playoffs.
It's important to note that Wisniewski's opinions are not universally shared. Both Bouchard and Hughes are widely regarded as elite defensemen in the NHL, with strong offensive capabilities and leadership qualities. Many teams would welcome either player on their roster. While Hughes' size might be seen as a disadvantage by some, his skating, puck-moving skills, and hockey sense are undeniable assets. Bouchard has been recognized as the Oilers' top defenseman for the past two regular and playoff seasons, contributing significantly to both even-strength play and special teams.
The debate surrounding Bouchard and Hughes highlights the different perspectives on what makes a successful defenseman in the NHL. Some prioritize size and physicality, while others value offensive contributions and puck-moving abilities. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a defenseman depends on a variety of factors, including their individual skills, their role within the team, and the overall team strategy.
