The Edmonton Oilers have secured a key piece of their roster by signing defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year contract extension worth $42 million, carrying an average annual value of $10.5 million. This move demonstrates the Oilers' commitment to building a strong defense and contending for the Stanley Cup in the coming years.

Bouchard, who was set to become a restricted free agent, has quickly become one of the NHL's highest-paid defensemen. The 25-year-old is coming off a season where he recorded 14 goals and 67 points in 82 games, averaging 23:28 of ice time per game. During the Oilers' recent Stanley Cup Final run, Bouchard added another seven goals and 23 points in 22 playoff games. In the 2023-24 season, Bouchard had a breakout year, tallying 18 goals and 82 points in the regular season, followed by 6 goals and 26 assists in the playoffs. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated the third-most points among all NHL defensemen.

Drafted 10th overall by the Oilers in 2018, Bouchard has amassed 55 goals and 238 points in 374 career games. His offensive capabilities and playmaking skills from the blue line have made him a crucial component of Edmonton's attack.

Prior to the Bouchard announcement, the Oilers also re-signed winger Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year, $1.3 million contract and center Noah Philp to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.

With Bouchard's contract finalized, the Oilers have approximately $4.77 million in cap space remaining, assuming Philp and Kapanen are on the roster. The team still needs to address the status of other unrestricted free agents, including forwards Corey Perry, Connor Brown, and Jeff Skinner, as well as defenseman John Klingberg.

The Oilers' commitment to Bouchard reflects their belief in his continued growth and his importance to the team's success. By securing his services for the next four years, Edmonton aims to solidify its position as a top contender in the Western Conference.