The recent performances of Edmonton Oilers players Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman have sparked debate about their exclusion from Team Canada's Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Games. Despite being left off the initial roster, their continued strong play makes a compelling case for their inclusion if a spot opens up.
Bouchard's offensive prowess and overall impact have been particularly noteworthy. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Bouchard delivered a historic performance, scoring his first career hat trick and adding three assists in a 6-5 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals. This made him only the fourth defenseman in NHL history to achieve such a feat, joining Bobby Orr, Tom Bladon, and Doug Crossman. His current season stats stand at 14 goals and 41 assists, solidifying his place among the league's top offensive defensemen. Beyond the scoresheet, Bouchard's contributions extend to key defensive plays and a physical presence, as highlighted by a notable hit on Alex Ovechkin during the same game. Oilers captain Connor McDavid lauded Bouchard's performance, stating, "As good a game as I've seen from a D-man... His best is among the best in the world. Not just D-men. Players". Bouchard, drafted 10th overall by the Oilers in 2018, is known for his level-headed approach.
While some argue that Bouchard's offensive numbers are inflated by playing alongside stars like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, his ability to elevate his game in crucial moments is undeniable. His performance places him second only to Bobby Orr in post-season points-per-game by a defenseman. Despite this, concerns about his defensive play and penalty-killing abilities may have contributed to his initial omission from the Olympic roster. However, Bouchard has been improving his penalty-killing skills, further strengthening his case for inclusion.
Zach Hyman's exclusion from the team has also raised eyebrows. After recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for the start of the season, Hyman has returned to form, displaying the hard-working and reliable play that has defined his career. In 31 games this season, he has tallied 19 goals and 31 points, with a plus-10 rating. His scoring touch and ability to retrieve pucks and win battles make him a valuable asset. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has endorsed Hyman as a potential replacement for Brayden Point, who is currently injured. Friedman stated that Hyman could "100%" fill Point's role as a top-six winger, citing his chemistry with Connor McDavid and his multi-faceted contributions. Kevin Bieksa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Hyman's ability to score and go to the net.
Ultimately, the decision to exclude Bouchard and Hyman from the initial Olympic roster was a difficult one, given the depth of talent in Canadian hockey. Team Canada's general manager, Doug Armstrong, has emphasized the importance of players performing well when "the lights are the brightest". As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the door may still be open for these two Oilers to prove they deserve a place on Team Canada.
