https://www.thescore.com/news/2936016
Report: Oilers, Bouchard unlikely to discuss extension this summer
Quote:
The Edmonton Oilers and star blue-liner Evan Bouchard are unlikely to begin discussions on a contract extension this offseason, according to The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman.
Bouchard became eligible to sign a new deal July 1 but is under contract for 2024-25 at a $3.9-million cap hit and can reach restricted free agency after the season.
The Oilers, currently without a general manager, are focused on extensions for Leon Draisaitl (2025 UFA) and Connor McDavid (2026 UFA), Nugent-Bowman reports.
Edmonton's two superstar forwards have strong cases to become the league's highest-paid players, but Bouchard is owed a significant raise as well. The 24-year-old ranked fourth among defensemen with 81 points last season and added 32 in the playoffs as the Oilers fell one win shy of the Stanley Cup.
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