The Edmonton Oilers just lost their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers. While their current squad has proven to be better than most in the NHL, failing again against the Panthers might call for some rebuilding.
Edmonton will need to see who they want to keep and let go. With NHL free agency just 11 days away and the 2025 NHL Draft nine days away, the Oilers face some tough decisions.
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman and head coach Kris Knoblauch might have an idea of who they are reluctant to ship out. One name on the list is defenseman Evan Bouchard. Is the price to keep Bouchard too steep?
Fans Aren’t Keen on the Prospect of Retaining Evan Bouchard
Recently, NHL Network host and analyst David Pagnotta said that Bouchard might be looking for a big contract. “Evan Bouchard also needs a new contract,” Pagnotta said. “Those talks will also pick up this week. He’ll crack 8 figures on his next deal.”
Evan Bouchard also needs a new contract. Those talks will also pick up this week. He’ll crack 8 figures on his next deal. And then there’s Connor McDavid, who’s eligible to sign an extension July 1; there appear to be no concerns over getting that big ticket deal done.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 18, 2025
His last Edmonton contract was a two-year deal worth $7.8 million with an annual cap hit of $3.9 million. If the Oilers are unable to retain Bouchard before July 1, then he will become an unrestricted free agent. Oilers fans aren’t too thrilled about that.
One fan writes, “Bouchard is not worth that much. He is such a defensive liability and it showed even He is such a defensive liability and it showed even more during these playoffs.”
Another fan believes that in the process of retaining Bouchard, the team might fail to retain Connor McDavid. This person wrote, “way too much for Bouchard. McDavid might walk….” The Oilers may look at keeping McDavid sooner rather than later.
way too much for Bouchard.
McDavid might walk….
— JIMMY TWO TIMES!!!!! 🇨🇦🇺🇲 (@HappyCanadian55) June 19, 2025
One fan writes, “After that defensive performance in the last two games?” pointing out Bouchard’s lack of play in the Cup final’s last two games.
Meanwhile, another fan mentions, “8 million for a bad Man on defense.” Chances for Bouchard getting a deal worth more than $10 million are likely. But Oilers fans aren’t happy with this decision.
Some want Bouchard gone, while others believe keeping him, at a steep cost, will hurt them. There is still some time until the NHL free agency period. Edmonton faces a tough decision.
