Will Evan Bouchard be offer-sheeted this summer?

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Ryan Hall
July 18, 2023 (1:08)

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General managers in the NHL have numerous tactics in their arsenal to acquire talent from other teams. Most opt for the trade route, offering players and draft picks to secure better talent. Others scour the waiver wire for outcasts that NHL teams do not want, hoping to embark on a reclamation project to maximize their returns.

Then there's the offer sheet�an infrequently used tactic, as many general managers consider it an unsightly way to outmaneuver another team. One of the most well-known instances involving the Oilers was the Dustin Penner offer sheet, which occurred between the Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks.

In 2008, when General Manager Brian Burke was in charge of the Ducks, he expressed his disdain for the process and Kevin Lowe, who initiated it.

In recent weeks, there have been murmurs of a potential offer sheet scenario for Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. Bouchard, coming off a career year with the Oilers, is seeking a substantial raise. Current General Manager Ken Holland has expressed his preference for a bridge deal rather than a long-term commitment.

James Wilson of NHL Trade Rumors speculates that three teams�the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, and Seattle Kraken�may extend offer sheets to Bouchard.

All three teams would undoubtedly benefit from his services, as they are all in search of improved defensemen. Bouchard, standing at six feet and weighing 194 pounds, played all 82 games with the Oilers last season. He scored eight goals, tallied 32 assists for 40 points, and boasted a +6 rating. Additionally, he participated in twelve playoff games, contributing four goals and 13 assists for 17 points.

With these impressive numbers, it is reasonable to expect Bouchard to receive a pay raise. The key factor will be how the deal is structured. Given the Hurricanes' history of offer sheets, having engaged in such a transaction with the Montreal Canadiens a few years ago, it is highly likely that Tom Dundon, the owner of the Hurricanes, may encourage General Manager Don Waddell to pursue this route once again.