Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard made NHL history in the team’s season opener Tuesday night, accomplishing a feat that had not been seen in nearly 50 years.
Bouchard became the first defenseman in NHL history to score a hat trick in a season opener since Mark Howe did it for the Hartford Whalers on Oct. 9, 1980.
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Bouchard makes history
The 26-year-old delivered an impressive offensive performance, scoring once in each period while adding two assists in Edmonton’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
His second assist came late in the third period, when Vasily Podkolzin scored with just 43 seconds remaining to tie the game and send it to overtime. Although the Oilers ultimately fell in the extra frame, Bouchard’s individual performance put his name in the NHL record books.
Bouchard also became the first defenseman in NHL history to record five points in a season opener. The only skater to record more points in a season opener was Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kevin Stevens, who registered two goals and six points on Oct. 5, 1990.
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Another milestone for Bouchard
The historic performance adds to what has already been a remarkable stretch offensively for Bouchard. Last season, he posted a career-best 21 goals and 95 points in 82 games, establishing himself as one of the Oilers’ most productive offensive defensemen.
Tuesday’s performance also marked just the second hat trick of Bouchard’s career. His first came against the Washington Capitals on Jan. 24, 2026.
With his latest three-goal game, Bouchard joined Paul Coffey as the only defensemen in Oilers franchise history to record multiple hat tricks.
Despite the record-setting night, Edmonton will have little time to dwell on the overtime defeat. The Oilers will meet the Canucks again Thursday in their second game of the NHL season, giving Bouchard and his teammates another opportunity to build on their opening-night performance.
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