Edmonton Oilers media criticizes Evan Bouchard over contract asking price

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Ryan Hall
January 30, 2025 (9:31 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers media has been taking out on the play of Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard over the course of this season and it's apparent he is struggling with his game.

Big name defenceman debuts for Edmonton Oilers tonight, but another one struggles mightily

This struggle is certainly not what he had in mind as this season is a contract year which most players are playing at their best. But it appears the consensus is that he is still wanting between 10 and $11 million per season which has many upset considering his poor play.

Bouchard's numbers do not warrant his contract demands this season

Dave Staples of the Edmonton Journal points out the issues that are plaguing Bouchard this year which includes his passing plays as he has not performed well in that area.

He's got the yips, it seems, which is odd for a player so calm and co-ordinated as Bouchard. But that's what the numbers tell us.

The main issue for Bouchard? When it comes to the most noticeable, impactful passing plays, he hasn't made enough brilliant ones this year and he's made too many rancid ones. - David Staples Edmonton Journal

Admittedly just deduction but I believe Bouch's contract ask is too high for the Oilers liking. That's why media are now calling Nurse team's 2nd best dman. Every now and then a narrative is born when a player is green light and media start to go in more and more

Another issue with his game is he's becoming a turnover machine which was on display when the Oilers played Seattle Kraken. His costly turnover lead to a goal against which will damage his abilities to negotiate a high salary.

Oilers to consider trading Bouchard at trade deadline?

A former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz even brought up the notion of the Oilers considering selling Bouchard at the trade deadline.

«One guy I'd be looking to move potentially at the deadline is Oilers pending RFA Evan Bouchard. If I'm Stanny Bowman and I see a body of work over the next 15 odd games from John Klingberg that warrants PP1 QB ability, are you ok with maybe getting a solid return on the 25-year-old out of Oakville Ontario? Something to keep an eye on over the next month.» Jordan Schmaltz Ex-NHL player

It will be a fascinating next few months as the Oilers will have major decisions to make which include Bouchard. It would be easier if he had the year he had before where he was well over 80 points and cruising to a long-term deal north of $10 million per season.

Source: Edmonton Journal
Big name defenceman debuts for Edmonton Oilers tonight, but another one struggles mightily

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