After a strong campaign, an Evan Bouchard contract has been made. The new contract, as reported by Elliotte Friedman, is for two years and carries an AAV of $3.9 million. This is huge not only for Bouchard but for the Edmonton Oilers.
Sounds like EDM and Evan Bouchard closing in on 2x$3.9M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 23, 2023
Bouchard Staying Put in Edmonton
Great moments are born from great opportunity. Those words came from Herb Brooks in his infamous speech during the 1980 Olympics. However, those same words applied to Evan Bouchard. After the big trade that sent Tyson Barrie to the Nashville Predators for Mattias Ekholm, an increased role was in line. Bouchard went on to slide up the depth chart and was quarterbacking the top power-play unit. You saw him flourish and his game was taken to another level. The belief Ken Holland has in him is why the Evan Bouchard contract is a good thing.
Bouchard Looking to Build on Strong Season
The Evan Bouchard contract is great for both sides. In addition, the contract is deserving. This was his second full season with the club and he proved that last year was no fluke. Last season Bouchard suited up in 81 games and scored 12 goals and 43 points. However, this season saw him set a career-high in assists (32) and hit the 40-point plateau once more. Of his 40 points, 13 of them came on the lethal power play the Oilers had. Bouchard saw 15% of his starts in the offensive zone and the least amount in the defensive. That does not mean he was bad on his own end. In fact, Bouchard had 66 takeaways (third most on the team).
The Future of the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are in good shape after the Evan Bouchard contract. A core group led by the superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Complimentary pieces of Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, Bouchard, Ekholm, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins help round out the group. With the group together, the expectations are high and the goal is to win a championship.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
