Evan Bouchard, the Edmonton Oilers' defenseman, is on a remarkable scoring spree, netting four goals in just two playoff games. He boasts impressive shot metrics, ranking in the 98th percentile for shot speed, but his defensive game remains a point of contention among critics. Some argue his statistics are enhanced by playing alongside stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Michael Kesselring, drafted in the same year as Bouchard, reflects on his own journey with the Utah Hockey Club, expressing hopes of emulating Bouchard's offensive capabilities while also highlighting his physical play style. Kesselring's trade to the Oilers before the 2023 deadline gave him a different path than Bouchard's, yet he believes that with more opportunities, his offensive stats could rival Bouchard's. Both defensemen excel in shot speed, but Kesselring recognizes the challenge of earning ice time to showcase his abilities.