Evan Bouchard ... a Bridge deal extension or traded?

Bouchard, who is a right-handed shot defenseman vaulted into the top four is paired with Matthias Ekholm. All of these changes to his career and the sudden boost in his numbers will warrant a big pay increase.

Bouchard is completing a three-year contract worth almost $5 million and will be seeking a larger payout for the upcoming season. According to capfriendly.com the Oilers currently hold 8.5 million in cap space for the season, which they only have 15 players signed so far.

Frank Seravalli has commented that if the Oilers cannot get a bridge deal done by Bouchard's camp, there's a good chance he may be traded over the summer due to the Oilers not being able to afford him.

Being in the top four certainly has boosted his numbers as this season that just passed he played all 82 games, and scored eight goals with 32 assists for a total of 40 points he was a + 6. He also held 28 penalty minutes and 13 power-play points.

He's coming off his entry-level contract which means he's going to be a restricted free agent next season he doesn't hold any rights. There's a possibility he may go to arbitration or be moved to another team.