It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We may be through the looking glass of the early free agent period. However, there’s still plenty flowing through the rumour mill. A plethora of free agents have signed, but some talk has shifted to next summer and beyond. The Edmonton Oilers have been active despite not having a general manager. This edition of NHL rumours looks at what the Oilers priority list may be.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Edmonton Oilers Off-Season T0-Do List
Rumour: The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman looked into the Oilers off-season priority list. It seems that an extension for defenceman Evan Bouchard is down the list. Other matters like finding a GM and extensions for Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are higher on the agenda.
I’m told it’s unlikely the Oilers & Evan Bouchard (RFA: 2025 w/ arb rights; UFA: 2027) will discuss an extension this summer.
EDM — More pressing things to address (GM, Draisaitl, McDavid).
Bouchard — High likelihood of building off Norris 5th place & starring in the playoffs.
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) July 5, 2024
Analysis: Edmonton hasn’t rested on its laurels of making the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers may not have an official general manager, but Jeff Jackson has been working hard this off-season. The team has tried to make over its bottom six and add some proven scorers. Jackson is also trying to shed some salary so the Oilers could be in a position to get a player if needed.
However, there are some large questions looming on the horizon for Edmonton. Three big contract extensions in the next couple of years will weigh heavily on the mind of Jackson or whoever steps into the GM role. The Draisaitl, McDavid and Bouchard contracts are going to be critical deals in the future of this franchise.
Extending the Window
Both McDavid and Draisaitl are in line for big-money paydays. Draisaitl’s deal is up first and he was making an honest bargain price $8.5 million. However, the big German is in line to finally get north of $10 million. He’s proven his worth and is a major part of the team’s success despite some struggles in the Final.
The 28-year-old is a major piece on the Oilers’ roster and his deal expires at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Draisaitl is looking to be among the highest-paid players in the NHL along with McDavid. Nathan MacKinnon is the current highest-paid player in the league at $16.2 million. Will Draisaitl’s deal rival that?
McDavid comes up at the end of the 2026-27 season and the Oilers are trying to be proactive about that. The Edmonton captain can sign an extension on July 1, 2025. Edmonton has to make sure there’s enough money to go around to keep McDavid from getting on the open market.
What About Bouchard?
This leaves the question of Bouchard’s next contract. The young defenceman can sign an extension at any time since he’s entering the last year of his deal. Bouchard will be a restricted free agent and currently makes $3.9 million.
There’s no doubt that Bouchard is in line for a massive raise. The 24-year-old does have arbitration rights at the end of his contract. However, there’s also a worry about him getting an offer sheet. A team could try to use this rarely-used tool to force Edmonton’s hand in making a decision.
The Oilers hope Draisaitl’s contract extension will be done so the management team knows what they have to work with. Whoever takes the GM role in Edmonton is not going to be able to ease into the position.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
