Edmonton Oilers sign blueliner Evan Bouchard to four-year, $42M US contract: reports

The Edmonton Oilers have made a crucial move in securing their future by re-signing star defenceman Evan Bouchard to a lucrative four-year, $42-million US contract. This contract extension comes just in time, as Bouchard was set to become a restricted free agent at the opening of the free-agent market.

Bouchard, known for his powerful shot from the point dubbed the “Bouch Bomb,” has been a key contributor to the Oilers’ success in recent years. The 25-year-old from Oakville, Ont., has significantly increased his production, earning a substantial raise from his previous $3.9-million salary cap hit. Bouchard’s impressive performance on the ice has helped Edmonton reach the Stanley Cup final twice.

Selected 10th overall by the Oilers in the 2018 draft, Bouchard had a breakout season in 2023-24, tallying 18 goals and 64 assists in 81 games. He continued his strong play in the playoffs, recording 32 points in 25 games. In the following season, Bouchard notched 23 points in 22 playoff games after a stellar 67-point regular season.

With a points-per-game average of 1.08 in the post-season, Bouchard ranks second only to Bobby Orr in terms of defencemen. His new contract makes him the fourth-highest-paid defenceman in the NHL, trailing Erik Karlsson, Drew Doughty, and Rasmus Dahlin.

In addition to re-signing Bouchard, the Oilers also secured winger Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year, $1.3-million US contract. Kapanen, acquired off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, contributed 13 points in 57 regular-season games and added six more in the playoffs.

Furthermore, Edmonton signed centre Noah Philp to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000. Philp, a Canmore, Alta., native, appeared in 15 games for the Oilers last season, recording two assists. He also had a strong showing with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, tallying 35 points, including 19 goals, in 55 games.

As the Oilers continue to navigate the off-season, key players like Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Jeff Skinner, and John Klingberg remain unsigned and are poised to become unrestricted free agents. The re-signing of Bouchard and the additions of Kapanen and Philp demonstrate Edmonton’s commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season.