We’ve got another edition of NHL rumours as the weekend is upon us. The start of training camps are coming soon, but general managers are working hard behind the scenes. Some major deals have been made this week and will shape the landscape for the next few seasons. The Edmonton Oilers gave Leon Draisaitl a hefty pay raise that will kick in next season. However, the knock-on effect has already started. This edition of NHL rumours deals with how the massive contract will play into the future of one of their key defencemen.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
What Does the Future Hold for Edmonton Oilers Blueliner?
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman appeared on Sportsnet’s Sports Central to talk about the future of Evan Bouchard. The 24-year-old becomes a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Analysis: Friedman appeared on the show with Evanka Osmak and the topic of Bouchard’s future was talked about. Bouchard is an RFA and the Oilers are well-aware that teams could sniff blood in the water. Edmonton and General Manager Stan Bowman lost both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to offer sheets from the St Louis Blues in the off-season.
It’s likely Edmonton didn’t match those deals because it wanted salary cap flexibility. However, it does sting losing two depth pieces.
Bowman knows that teams will probably offer sheet Bouchard if they have the money available. The new Oilers GM likely doesn’t want to have to deal with the headache of another offer sheet. Bouchard is eligible to sign a new contract at any time since he’s entering the final year of his deal.
Friedman mentioned that the Oilers are forward thinkers and want to get a deal done for Bouchard. It’s also likely that the young defender wants to stay because the club has a chance to be a contender for a while.
Finding a Way
There’s no doubt that it’s going to cost the Oilers a bit of money to keep Bouchard. However, Friedman said that players will find a way to stay in most cases. In any case, Bouchard is going to get rewarded by any team that signs him.
One thing the Oilers need to do is find out what it will take to keep Connor McDavid in the fold. The Edmonton captain can sign an extension on July 1, 2025 and is currently making $12.5 million for this year and next season. Draisaitl will make more than McDavid in 2025-26, but it’s probable that Edmonton adjusts that once McDavid can sign a new deal.
Bouchard does need a new deal at the end of this season. However, McDavid’s contract is going to play a large hand in what the defender gets.
Friedman said Oilers brass knew going in that it would take around $40 million to keep Draisaitl, McDavid and Bouchard. The insider mentioned that Bowman will probably go from there once those three main deals are sorted out.
Some hard choices will be made with depth around the main three. However, it’s leaning more towards Edmonton keep all three. There’s still that worry that too much money is going to too few players a la the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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