Evan Bouchard should not be considered for the Norris Trophy, as his defensive play is mediocre at best.

Supporters claim that Bouchard’s high-octane offense makes him a standout candidate despite minor flaws on defense. They argue his contributions outweigh the negatives for Edmonton Oilers fans who see value in scoring from their blueliners.

The risk lies in overvaluing flashy numbers at the expense of fundamental defensive play, which could set back NHL standards if Bouchard is awarded this prestigious honor undeservedly.

The debate around Bouchard’s nomination will likely continue to split opinion between those valuing flashy offense and traditional defensive stalwarts, driving further polarization in the NHL fanbase over what defines elite defensemen today versus decades past when such awards were first conceived.

Human tribalism suggests that Oilers fans who idolize Bouchard’s scoring will rally behind his nomination while purists focused on solid two-way play will dismiss it entirely. The outcome hinges heavily on which faction carries more weight in the voting process and whether hockey culture evolves to embrace new metrics over traditional ones.