Oilers GM Stan Bowman Makes Harsh Comment on Evan Bouchard Contract Talks

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Liam McCormick
November 30, 2024 (11:40)

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Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard will be a Restricted Free Agent this offseason, and General Manager Stan Bowman has said he's unsure if the Oilers will re-sign him.

In an interview this morning with Daniel Nugent-Bowman of the Athletic, Stan Bowman said the team has had internal talks about Bouchard, but they don't seem to be jumping the gun to sign him.

»We have had internal discussions. But as far as engaging with his agent, not really. Whether we will or not, I'm not sure. But he's playing better lately, too. He got up to a slow start, but it's nice to see his game rounding into form.»
- Stan Bowman

Bouchard is only a restricted free agent, so the Oilers will still have priority to keep him next season. However, he will be eligible for salary arbitration.

Perhaps the Oilers don't try to sign Bouchard to a long-term deal this offseason, and instead try to keep his salary down with team leverage over the RFA.

It's surprising to see Bowman say that Bouchard is improving, which suggests that he's been really struggling early this season.

While Bouchard has had some glaring turnovers, and is on pace to set the record for most shot attempts blocked, he's still been the Oilers best defender.

Bouchard is on pace to score over 20 goals and 60 points again, while the rest of the Oilers scoring is down. Some of those turnovers look a lot worse when the goalie can't make a save, too.

According to reports from the beginning of the season, Evan Bouchard is seeking between 10 and 11 million in salary on a long-term contract.

» Bowman knows he must squeeze in another superstar salary on the back end (somewhere in the $10.5-million range?) for Bouchard, which is partly why St. Louis's offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway were successful.»
- Sportsnet

For a cap-strapped team like the Edmonton Oilers, giving Bouchard a $6M raise will be very difficult - especially while they're paying another defender $9.25M.

Thankfully for the Oilers, the salary cap is projected to see a significant increase next season, but then Draisaitl's extension will kick in as well.

Still, when you're paying out $10M+ to a player, the Oilers need to be positive they're going to be an all-around key piece on the team.

Bouchard will have to continue to prove himself this season, and show that his last year's career high of 82 points wasn't a fluke - that he can be a premier offensive defenceman with in the NHL.