The Edmonton Oilers managed to retain their dependable defenseman, Evan Bouchard. The team announced that Bouchard inked a new two-year deal that locks him with the Oilers organization through the 2024-25 NHL season.
Bouchard, who was a restricted free agent this offseason, will earn $3.9 million average annual salary.
Speaking in a virtual media conference after his deal was confirmed, Bouchard said that he always wanted to stay with the Oilers and that he believes the team is positioned for great things in the future.
“I think it’s a good steppingstone, good bridge,” he said. “I think in the next two years, the Oilers are going to be a real force out there, and I’m just looking to be a part of that.”
Bouchard played all 82 games for the Oilers in 2022-23, scoring eight goals and dishing 32 assists for a total of 40 points. He later added 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
By locking Bouchard to a new deal, the Oilers finished the majority of their business for this offseason. The franchise previously rewarded Mattias Janmark, Derek Ryan, and Ryan McLeod with new extensions while also adding veteran winger Connor Brown in free agency.
