Former Oiler Debates Whether Wild Ryan Hartman Deserved Suspension For Hit on Evan Bouchard

Oilersnation host Tyler Yaremchuk asked Demers whether the hit on Evan Bouchard was considered dirty or an accidental hit which caused him to leave the game due to injury.

Demers broke down the play and expressed how he did not care for any hit down near the goal line especially when the players were not ready and that many people feel that Hartman is a nice person but plays with an edge when he's on the ice.

Demers also indicated that Bouchard should have been more prepared for the hit as it was clear that Hartman was heading to hit him.

Many across the NHL have debated this hit as some have taken to the X platform to express that it was a clean hit, and that Bouchard should have been ready. Others including Kevin McCurdy tweeted the long list of infractions that Hartman has taken over the years with numerous fines and suspensions from dirty hits and feels he
should be suspended for the hit.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch gave an update on Friday whether Bouchard will be able to play against the Vegas Golden Knights. He expressed that the injury is nothing major and that it will be a game time decision on whether he decides to play.

In the end, the NHL made their decision and chose not to fine Hartman and hopefully Bouchard will be back on the ice within the next day or two. The Oilers will be at home to take on the Golden Knights with game time starting at 4:00 PM eastern.