Evan Bouchard’s IIHF Men’s World Championship is over after the Edmonton Oilers defenceman was knocked out of Canada’s quarter-final win over Team USA by an illegal check to the head from Ryan Lindgren.
Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman confirmed to Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer that Bouchard will not play in either of Canada’s two remaining games as the team enters the semifinals on Saturday.
“(Team Canada GM) Kyle Dubas has been very proactive, given as soon as the play happened, he texted me, and I’ve been texting with Evan as well, so we’re in touch with him, obviously,” Bowman explained Thursday. “He’s injured, but he’s doing well... thankfully it’s not worse than it was, but clearly it was a terrible hit. It’s disappointing to see that happen.
”Thankfully, it’s May, and a long time till training camp, so I think you know everyone in Edmonton knows how great (Bouchard) is.
“I think maybe some other teams are seeing how effective...he’s playing a great hockey for Canada over there, so it’s unfortunate that he’s not gonna be playing the remainder there, but I think he’s gonna be okay.”
“We’re in touch with him, He’s doing well.”
— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) May 28, 2026
“Thankfully, it’s not worse than it was.”@EdmontonOilers GM Stan Bowman on Oilers Defenceman Evan Bouchard’s health following the check to his head in the Quarterfinals of the World Championship in Switzerland.
Lindgren received a five-minute major penalty for the hit, which he delivered just after Bouchard released the puck as he entered the offensive zone in the first period of Canada’s eventual 4-0 win.
Bouchard was visibly shaken up after the hit and left the ice with the assistance of two teammates. He was later officially ruled out for the remainder of the game in the second period.
The 26-year-old blueliner finishes his tournament with one goal and six points in eight games.
Bouchard joined Canada after one goal and seven points in six playoff games with the Oilers before the team was eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round. He had 21 goals and 95 points in 82 games during the regular season.
The Oakville, Ont. native signed a four-year, $42 million contract last summer which carries a $10.5 million cap hit through 2028-29.
