Evan Bouchard's agent has close personal ties with Oilers organization

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
May 30, 2024 (6:31 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard is in for a massive raise on his next contract, but his agent with close ties to the team could help ease things over.

Bouchard is completing the 1st of his two-year bridge deal that he signed last summer that paid him $7,800,000 with a cap hit of 3.9 million. Many felt that this was a delay tactic by general manager Ken Holland to kick his contract down the road and to see how he has become as a defenseman.

The people involved in these negotiations are certainly intertwined as Sam Gagner's father is Bouchard's agent who works for Wasserman which was run by Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson. What influences they bring will be fascinating.

The Oilers are now facing several contracts with term ending that will hold major value in terms of dollars, term, and the state of the team's future. Along with Bouchard, Oilers superstar Leon dry seidel has one year remaining, can sign an extension with the Oilers this summer and two years from now Connor McDavid will be an unrestricted free agent which will lead to another important decision.

The question remains, do the Oilers have enough money to give to Bouchard having those other contracts coming up for renewal? There are many questions regarding the front office as rumors have been swirling around general manager Ken Holland who may either retire or head to another organization as his contract is about to end.

With Bouchard's play and propelling himself into the elite defenseman category he will certainly command a large salary and raise. It's a matter if the Oilers can find the cap space to lock him down.