Bouchard contract extension reportedly not a priority for the Oilers this summer
Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard was eligible to sign a contract extension as of Monday afternoon, but it appears that it won't be happening this summer.
According to Daniel Nugent-Brown of The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers and Evan Bouchard are unlikely to talk about a contract extension this summer with the blueliner set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in 2025.
Nugent-Brown went on to add that the Oilers are more focused right now on finding their new General Manager and signing Leon Draisaitl to a contract extension. Even a potential Connor McDavid extension, which can't be signed until July 1st, 2025, is reportedly a more pressing issue than signing Bouchard to an extension this summer.
EDM � More pressing things to address (GM, Draisaitl, McDavid).
Bouchard � High likelihood of building off Norris 5th place & starring in the playoffs." Nugent-Brown said.
Bouchard, 24, took a huge step forward in his game during the 2023-24 season, doubling his previous career-high in points, while also playing a key role for the Edmonton Oilers throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In 81 games during the regular season, the Oakville, Ontario native had 82 points (18 goals, 64 assists), 32 penalty minutes and was a plus-34. He followed that up with 32 points (six goals, 26 assists) in 25 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.
After the season he had in 2023-24, there's no doubt Bouchard is a top-pairing guy and if he is able to repeat his success next season, the Oilers may need to dig deep into their pockets in order to afford to sign him in 12 months.
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