In the world of NHL rumours, the buzz is building as training camps loom on the horizon and general managers scramble behind the scenes to make their moves. This past week has seen some major deals shake up the hockey world, setting the stage for seasons to come. One of the most talked-about transactions involved the Edmonton Oilers, who recently handed Leon Draisaitl a significant pay raise set to kick in next season. But as with any big contract, there are ripple effects to consider.
The impact of Draisaitl’s new deal is already being felt, particularly in light of the looming contract negotiations for one of Edmonton’s key defensemen. As Elliott Friedman discussed on a recent show with Evanka Osmak, the future of Evan Bouchard is a hot topic of conversation. Bouchard is a restricted free agent, and the Oilers are acutely aware that other teams may see an opportunity to swoop in with an offer sheet. After losing both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues during the offseason, General Manager Stan Bowman is keen to avoid a repeat scenario.
While Edmonton may have opted not to match those previous offer sheets in order to maintain salary cap flexibility, the loss of two depth players has undoubtedly been felt. Now, as Bouchard enters the final year of his contract, the pressure is on to secure his future with the team. Friedman noted that the Oilers are eager to lock Bouchard down, recognizing his value to the roster and his potential as a cornerstone of the defense for years to come.
Looking ahead, the question remains: what does the future hold for the Edmonton Oilers blueliner? With a potentially pricey contract extension on the horizon, the team must navigate the financial waters carefully to ensure they can retain Bouchard while also addressing the looming contract negotiations for superstar Connor McDavid. As Friedman pointed out, players of Bouchard’s caliber will always draw interest from other teams, making it imperative for the Oilers to act decisively to keep their young star in the fold.
As the hockey world watches and waits to see how the story unfolds, one thing is certain: the Edmonton Oilers are facing a crucial juncture in their roster planning. With Draisaitl’s mega-deal setting the stage for future negotiations, the team must make strategic moves to secure their foundation for the seasons ahead. And as the clock ticks down to July 1, 2025, when McDavid will be eligible to sign his next extension, the stakes are higher than ever for the Oilers and their quest for long-term success in the NHL.
