The Carolina Hurricanes' aggressive pursuit of Evan Bouchard this offseason significantly impacted the Edmonton Oilers' plans and ultimately drove up the defenseman's contract price. According to reports, the Hurricanes threatened to submit an offer sheet for Bouchard, prompting the Oilers to act swiftly and secure him with a four-year, $42 million contract extension.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Hurricanes' general manager, Eric Tulsky, considered extending an offer sheet to Bouchard, an aggressive tactic rarely used in the NHL. While the Oilers likely intended to match any offer, the prospect of another public contract standoff pushed them to lock Bouchard down quickly and avoid any risk. This urgency was amplified by the Oilers' recent experience of losing young players to offer sheets.

Friedman noted that the Hurricanes made it clear they had ample cap space and were prepared to use it. After Mitch Marner completed a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, the Hurricanes shifted their focus to Bouchard. The threat of an offer sheet forced the Oilers to increase their offer to Bouchard, with Friedman suggesting the final number was about $1 million higher than initially expected.

Ultimately, Bouchard signed a four-year, $42 million contract extension with the Oilers, keeping him with the club through the 2028-29 season. The deal will take him directly to unrestricted free agency. Over the past four years, Bouchard has become one of the NHL's top offensive defensemen. He has recorded 52 goals and 232 points in 326 games, plus 20 goals and 81 points in 75 playoff games. Last week, Bouchard stated that he wants to improve his defensive game over the course of his contract.

With Bouchard secured, the Hurricanes shifted their attention to K'Andre Miller of the New York Rangers, acquiring him for a conditional first-round pick, a second-round pick, and defenseman Scott Morrow. They also signed Miller to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension. The Hurricanes' aggressive negotiation tactics served as a wake-up call for the Oilers, ensuring that Bouchard remained a key part of their long-term plans.