The Edmonton Oilers have officially locked in one of their core players with a $23 million long-term contract, securing a vital piece for their future. This deal highlights the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive roster as they strive for success in the coming seasons.
Key Decision: Long-Term Deal or Bridge Contract for Evan Bouchard?
The Oilers face a crucial decision when extending the contract of rising defenseman Evan Bouchard, whose current deal earns him $3.9 million per season. With his outstanding performance, Bouchard is set for a substantial raise, and analysts like TSN’s Frankie Corrado suggest his next contract could see him earning over $10 million annually on a long-term basis. The Oilers must decide between offering Bouchard a long-term extension or opting for a bridge deal that delays the big financial commitment.
Bridge Deal: A Strategic Option
A bridge deal would allow Bouchard to secure a large payday later in his career, while giving the Oilers more flexibility in the short term. By opting for a short-term contract, the Oilers would postpone a major salary increase until Bouchard reaches his late 20s, giving both sides more time to evaluate his future role. A bridge deal could position him for an even larger contract when the NHL salary cap surpasses $100 million in the coming years.
Long-Term Deal: Locking in Elite Talent
On the other hand, the Oilers could push for a long-term contract, potentially securing Bouchard for eight seasons at a total of around $80 million. Many see Bouchard as a top-tier defenseman, with his ceiling described as “really, really high” by Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. Connor McDavid has echoed this sentiment, noting Bouchard’s ability to improve both offensively and defensively. A long-term deal would provide cost certainty for the Oilers, preventing Bouchard from testing unrestricted free agency, where his value could skyrocket.
The Challenge of Cap Space
While a long-term contract seems appealing, the Oilers must navigate significant financial commitments, including re-signing superstar Connor McDavid to what will likely be the richest contract in NHL history. Additionally, the possibility of Bouchard receiving an offer sheet from another team remains, but it’s not a major concern since any team interested in signing him would need to offer over $11 million annually, a high price in both salary and draft capital.
The Outlook for the Oilers
While the Oilers are likely to reach a deal with Bouchard, the question of a bridge or long-term contract will significantly impact the team’s future salary structure. With a cap increase on the horizon, the Oilers need to balance short-term flexibility with long-term stability. The decision they make on Bouchard could set the tone for the next phase of their pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship.
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