Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard has impressed fans and analysts alike by stepping up in tough times. The 25-year-old blueliner, in the final days of a two-year, $7.8 million contract, is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1. NHL insiders have said Bouchard’s standout performance this spring has almost guaranteed him a huge new deal.
Bouchard has scored 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 15 playoff games this year. More important, he has anchored Edmonton’s defense in the absence of top defenseman Mattias Ekholm.
NHL Analyst Predicts Massive Raise for Bouchard
NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared his take on Bouchard’s contract situation during the Tuesday, May 27, episode of “Daily Faceoff Live.” When asked whether Bouchard could earn an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million on his next deal, Seravalli said he had no doubt.
“It’s hot (Yes/gonna happen). I have to think that, with yet another repeat playoff performance. Third consecutive postseason of at least 17 points. He is now 75 points in 67 career postseason games, which is an incredible pace. That’s a 93-point pace over an 82-game regular season,” Seravalli said.
“I think the Oilers were hopeful at one point this season that they might have been able to squeeze in at home at $8.5 million AAV, but I think these playoffs have probably exploded that pipe dream,” he added.
Frank Seravalli predicts Evan Bouchard’s next contract will be at least than $10 Million
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Daily Faceoff Live | @OilersNation@frank_seravalli, @tyleryaremchuk pic.twitter.com/Srda1X6ME3— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) May 27, 2025
The Oilers’ tight defense has been a big reason for their recent playoff success. They lead the Dallas Stars 3-1 heading into Game 5 of the Western Conference finals and have a chance to clinch the series on Thursday, May 29. Edmonton also got a boost with Ekholm reportedly fit to play.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch gave an encouraging update on Ekholm’s fitness in his pregame press conference on Thursday. “Here’s a guy that’s been playing big minutes for us since he came to Edmonton,” Knoblauch said. “Playing a shut-down role, playing a penalty-kill role, power play, whatever. For him to come back and feeling great, it’s a great addition to our team.”
Ekholm joined the team for morning practice and was paired with Bouchard as Edmonton’s likely first-line defense combination. Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak formed the second pair, followed by John Klingberg and Jake Walman. However, Edmonton will be without forward Zach Hyman, who had surgery on Wednesday, May 28, for an upper-body injury he suffered in Game 4 after a check from Stars forward Mason Marchment.
The Oilers are looking to join the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup finals for the second year in a row. The Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 on Wednesday, May 28, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final.
