Pierre LeBrun

Connor McDavid had 12.

You start to look at what Bouchard did defensively as far as killing penalties.

He had 50 more minutes on the penalty kill than anybody else.

That includes McCarr, you name it, all of the top defenders in the NHL that were in that mix.

His pass rate out of succession to passes, all that type of stuff.

So I know O-Dog would probably charge the mound right now with me quoting analytics.

We've already hit our quota for the two hours.

I did dig into it.

And I struggled with it because I think Darlene had an amazing season.

I think Wierenski did.

I don't use the word snub.

But I think if there's five or six guys, Lane Hudson was outstanding in Montreal as well.

I believe I had him fifth or sixth.

But the point being is I don't think there's a bad choice.

I think what happened is it had to be narrowed down.

Now, I do agree with you, Strutty.

I think there's a narrative around when you just say the word Evan Bouchard, people are like, oh, great offensively, terrible defensively.

But if you actually look at the way the game is played today, the game is about exiting your defensive zone.

And he's probably one of the best first passes in the National Hockey League.

Ask Connor McDavid.