Bouchard: Points Don't Determine Okulov's Leadership

Boucher said he sees nothing wrong in the selection dilemma, comparing the forward's form to how he played through last season's play-offs, and argued that goals are not how he judges leadership.

"I never look at points. Sometimes a player earns four points but shows his worst qualities in a match. What matters to me is that he inspires the team and leads it. Many stars are not leaders of their teams — sometimes they even poison the atmosphere. Being a leader does not mean being a star, and you inspire nobody with your points. What inspires people is courage, persistence, dedication — the same unglamorous, small work that others do not want to do," Boucher said.

The coach added that Okulov, in his view, does not currently look entirely comfortable in the role.