Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard's shocking contract ask revealed

These talks have been radio silent throughout the summer as the Oilers were eligible to begin negotiations for a new deal for their elite defenceman. Bouchard has become their main offensive threat on the back end and is looking to be paid after taking a two-year bridge deal that was worth $8,000,000.

It appears that the comparable being used for Bouchard is Rasmus Dahlin. This would put Bouchard in the $11 million per year range.

General manager Stan Bowman who was instrumental in locking in the new contract for Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl gave his view on where contract negotiations sit and has taken a standard tone like many general managers would.

Bouchard was drafted by the Oilers in 2018, in the first round tenth pick overall. Last season was a breakout year as he played 81 games, scoring 18 goals with 64 assists for 82 points and was a + 34 with 32 penalty minutes.

It's safe to say that once the door was open for the Oilers and Bouchard to begin negotiations, it's likely phone calls were made, and the process was beginning as soon as possible. It will be a challenge for the Oilers to fit an $11 million defenseman into their cap head even as the cap rises.

Bouchard is one of those premier defensemen and it's prudent that CEO Jeff Jackson and Bowman lock up his future with the Oilers.

Source: Daily Hive

Source : NHL.com