Evan Bouchard signing contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers is not close

In a strategic move by the Edmonton Oilers, discussions regarding a contract extension for Evan Bouchard have been put on hold, according to Daniel Nugent-Bowman from The Athletic.

The young defenseman, who is currently under a two-year bridge deal set to expire at the end of next season, will remain a restricted free agent, giving the Oilers some flexibility in their future dealings.

stated Daniel Nugent-Bowman.

Despite the delay, Bouchard's performance has not gone unnoticed. Having transitioned from showing potential to becoming one of the NHL's top offensive defensemen, his last season was nothing short of spectacular. Bouchard netted 18 goals and accumulated a total of 82 points over 81 games. His remarkable ability, especially in delivering powerful slap shots, has significantly increased his market value, potentially surpassing the $10 million mark.

The Oilers face challenges with their defense, but the pairing of Bouchard with Mattias Ekholm has been a cornerstone, creating a formidable force especially when combined with the McDavid line. This synergy has proven to be nearly invincible on the ice, emphasizing the importance of securing Bouchard's talent for the long term.

Yet, the focus for the Oilers this summer is elsewhere. The priority remains on re-signing stars such as Leon Draisaitl and, soon after, Connor McDavid.

confirms a tweet from Oilers-related discussions at

As the salary cap is expected to increase significantly, securing Bouchard's services long-term might become crucial. However, it appears Bouchard and his camp are in no rush to initiate negotiations, betting on his ability to enhance his performance even further in the upcoming season.

With the Oilers balancing their immediate financial commitments and the potential of rising stars like Bouchard, the team's management strategies will be pivotal in shaping their competitive edge in the NHL. As reported by Daniel Nugent-Bowman, the decisions made this offseason could have lasting impacts on the team's dynamics and success.