The debate surrounding Team Canada's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo is heating up, and a recent argument from former NHL defenseman Jordan Schmaltz has added fuel to the fire. Schmaltz suggests that Los Angeles Kings' veteran Drew Doughty should be chosen over Edmonton Oilers' rising star Evan Bouchard. This take has sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike, particularly in Edmonton, where Bouchard has become a key player for the Oilers.
Schmaltz's rationale centers on Doughty's perceived strengths in areas where Bouchard is seen as less proficient. He emphasizes Doughty's penalty-killing expertise, defensive reliability, and championship pedigree, arguing these qualities are more valuable in a tightly structured international tournament than Bouchard's offensive prowess. Schmaltz posits that with Cale Makar expected to log heavy minutes and Colton Parayko likely to play a significant role, the third right-side defensive slot should go to a player who can excel in a limited, defense-oriented role, primarily on the penalty kill. According to Schmaltz, “They don't need Bouchard for PP1 and he's not exactly a penalty kill wizard,” highlighting Doughty's experience with Stanley Cups, Olympic gold, and other international titles.
This argument, however, has faced pushback. Critics point out that Bouchard outperformed Doughty in the 2025 first-round playoff series between the Oilers and the Kings. Some argue that Doughty's performance has declined, while Bouchard has emerged as one of the league's top point-producing defensemen. Moreover, Bouchard demonstrated an ability to handle penalty-killing duties during the recent playoffs, showcasing his evolving defensive game.
While Schmaltz suggested that if Canada wanted a defensive specialist, younger options like MacKenzie Weegar or Noah Dobson could be considered, many believe Bouchard offers a more complete package. Bouchard's offensive capabilities are undeniable. In the 2023-24 season, he recorded 82 points in 81 regular-season games, followed by a remarkable 32 points in 25 playoff games. Even in the 2024-25 season, he maintained a high level of production with 67 points in 82 games, adding 23 points in 22 playoff games. These numbers demonstrate his ability to contribute significantly to the offense, making him a valuable asset on any team.
The debate also raises the question of team composition. Some analysts believe that with Makar already anchoring the power play, adding another offensive defenseman like Bouchard may be redundant. Others argue that having multiple offensive threats on the blue line provides more options and flexibility, especially in case of injury. It's worth noting that Bouchard's strong playoff performances have solidified his position as a top defenseman.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to include Bouchard on the Olympic roster will depend on Hockey Canada's priorities. They must decide whether to prioritize defensive stability and penalty-killing expertise, or offensive firepower and puck-moving ability. As the Olympics draw closer, the debate surrounding Bouchard's potential inclusion on Team Canada is likely to continue, highlighting the difficult choices facing the team's management. The final roster selection will undoubtedly be a subject of intense scrutiny and discussion among hockey fans across the country.
