Bouchard Contract Stalemate a Problem for the Oilers?

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Ryan Hall
July 24, 2023 (11:51 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers general manager, Ken Holland, faces the challenge of reshaping the team's lineup to fit under the salary cap for the upcoming season. While most contracts have been sorted out, one notable exception is defenseman Evan Bouchard's, which holds significant importance for the team's future.

Despite a strong performance during the previous season, Evan Bouchard has yet to sign a new deal with the Oilers. It was initially expected that he would sign a two-year bridge deal to demonstrate consistent performance and help the Oilers manage their salary cap effectively.

However, as July nears its end, there has been no progress or indications of an imminent agreement. The delay raises the possibility that this negotiation could extend into the upcoming season.

If the Oilers find Bouchard's contract demands too costly, another team could attempt to sign him using an offer sheet. Although this scenario is unlikely, it remains a possibility for the Oilers to consider. In such a case, Ken Holland would need to have a contingency plan in place.

According to thehockeywriters.com, there are three potential alternatives for the Oilers if Bouchard's contract situation remains unresolved. These options include targeting Brett Pesce from the Carolina Hurricanes, Travis Sanheim of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks.

Pesce, with one year remaining on his contract, earns over $4 million per season. While his offensive performance has been modest, he may become available for trade, especially given the recent signing of Tony DeAngelo by the Hurricanes.

Sanheim was the subject of trade rumours with the St. Louis Blues, but a deal did not materialize during the unrestricted free agency. As the Flyers undergo a rebuilding phase, Sanheim could be a viable option for the Oilers to strengthen their defence. His contract of $6.25 million per season until 2031 could provide cost certainty for the Oilers.

Karlsson's potential trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins with Sidney Crosby has been an ongoing discussion. If the Oilers pursue this option, they may need to package a player like Nuge to facilitate the deal. The challenge lies in managing Karlsson's substantial $11 million cap hit over the next four years, which the San Jose Sharks are reportedly reluctant to retain partially.

The Oilers face a crucial decision regarding Evan Bouchard's contract, with potential alternatives available if a deal cannot be reached. As negotiations continue, the team must be cautious and thorough to avoid a situation similar to the Dustin Penner incident in the past. The coming days will be intriguing as the Oilers determine the best course of action for their defence and the team's future success.