The Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard has been playing for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. But after an incident with Ryan Lindgren, Oilers GM Stan Bowman gave a concerning update on Bouchard’s further participation in the tournament.

According to Bleed Oil Blue, the Edmonton Oilers general manager said on Oilers Now that Evan Bouchard was injured but in stable condition following the hit. He also described the collision involving Ryan Lindgren as terrible.

“Obviously, he’s injured, but he’s doing well. Thankfully, it’s not worse than it was, but clearly it was a terrible hit," said Bowman. 

In the end, he said what everyone feared. He said Evan Bouchard’s 2026 IIHF World Championship campaign is over.

“He’s playing great hockey for Canada over there. So it’s unfortunate that he’s not going to be playing the remainder there. But I think he’s going to be okay.”

The incident happened early in the first period of the quarterfinal against the USA. Team USA’s Ryan Lindgren stepped up at the blue line and made a hard hit on Bouchard as he skated into the offensive zone.

The hit looked like it hit the head. Bouchard fell hard on the ice and left the game. Officials gave Lindgren a 5-minute major for an illegal hit to the head and also gave him a game misconduct, so he was removed from the game right away.

Bouchard played a huge role for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. He led the team in ice time in several games, ran the power play, scored his first against Italy, and became one of Canada’s most important defensemen before his injury against Team USA.

Despite his injury, Team Canada won 4-0 in the quarterfinal. It’s a big miss losing him before the semifinal. 

Long Recovery Window Gives Oilers Confidence in Evan Bouchard's Return

Of course, no team wants to see a player get injured. But for the Edmonton Oilers, one positive is that Evan Bouchard got injured after the Oilers’ NHL season had already ended. Training camp is still far away, so he has enough time to fully recover and make a proper comeback for Edmonton.

Bowman has also called the hit disappointing, but stressed Bouchard has recovery time before Oilers camp.

“It’s disappointing to see that happen. But, thankfully, it’s May and a long time till training camp.”

He also praised Bouchard’s effectiveness in the team. 

“So I think everyone in Edmonton knows how great Bouch is. I think maybe some other teams are seeing how effective he is.”

Coming to the Canada-USA game, the early major penalty gave Team Canada a long power play. They did not score right away, but later Macklin Celebrini scored on the man advantage and changed the momentum. After Evan Bouchard left, Canada adjusted well, stopped Team USA’s attack, and controlled the game in the later periods.

Now, Team Canada will miss the services of Evan Bouchard. What do you think? Will Team Canada manage the semis without him? Will they reach another final in the World Championship? Comment all your predictions below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Ankita Yadav