Latest news with #EvanBouchard
National Post
19 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
Oilers notes: Evan Bouchard driven to seek new deal with Edmonton
While Evan Bouchard was focusing on Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and whatever Florida Panthers player was bearing down on him in the Stanley Cup Final, trying to take the puck off him, it should be a friendlier negotiation on a new contract. Article content At least, with the term for the restricted free agent. Article content Article content The Oilers likely want him for another eight years. Article content As for the dollars, you can probably start with the number 10 after a two-year bridge deal where he was making $3.9 million a season, well under market value for his production. Article content And while he had issues defensively for stretches during this past season — when he makes a mistake it's often glaring — what an arbitrator might look at if it gets that far is a much bigger picture in terms of numbers: his age, 25, his points, 72, making the playoffs the past three years, where he led all defencemen, how much he plays, 26:12 in average ice-time this past playoff run, and being to two straight Stanley Cup Finals. 'I would definitely trade that for the Cup. The end goal is to win and we didn't get there,' said Bouchard about his personal stats. Bouchard used to be current Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson's client when Jackson was a superagent, but money talks today are now being handled by Jackson's former partner Dave Gagner, Sam's dad. Article content 'I love being here. You want to bring a Cup to Edmonton. You've put so much into the organization and you want to be rewarded, you want to reward the fans for all the times they're coming out to support us. We're so close,' said Bouchard, who admits the mission uncompleted with this group is driving him to stay on. Article content Seth Jones at $9.6 million AAV and Zach Werenski at $9.6 million AAV got that much a few years ago, and Norris trophy winner Cale Makar is underpaid at $9 million but waiting to likely be in the $12-million range when his deal ends in Colorado. The Capitals just re-upped Jakob Chyrchrun at $9 million and he's not in Bouchard's league. Article content So conservatively, Bouchard will be in the $10-million range with the cap ceiling going up to $95 million. Article content While everybody's waiting to see how long Connor McDavid signs for in his new deal, which could start July 1 — eight years or maybe four or five, if he wants to see the direction the team is going in to win — Bouchard's negotiations are more front and centre. Article content Bouchard had trouble in the early going in Game 6 against Florida, but McDavid certainly wants him here for the long haul. Article content 'He's incredibly important to the group. It's a deal that needs to get done,' said McDavid. Article content 'In the big moments he shows up. That's a skill that not everybody has,' said McDavid. 'Does he make some booboos in November? Yeah, we all have them. But, his game has been improving year after year and it seems like month after month he gets better and better. I thought he took big strides this season, taking on a penalty-killing role.'
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Oilers' 3 biggest contract decisions and what they mean for the future roster
EDMONTON — Everything starts with Connor McDavid when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers, and that's especially true now. As another frustrating loss in the Stanley Cup Final for the Oilers shifts to offseason planning, McDavid, their captain and an all-time great, is eligible to sign a contract extension as early as July 1. It's imperative to the organization that he stays beyond next season. It's what matters above all else for the franchise and its fans. Advertisement But McDavid's contractual situation isn't the only deal worth focusing on in the weeks ahead when it comes to those currently on the roster. Defenceman Evan Bouchard is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and is due a big pay increase. Forward Trent Frederic — one of their two big acquisitions before the trade deadline — is one of the seven pending UFAs, and several reports have surfaced that he's got a deal in place to return. These three contracts have the potential to drastically alter the salary cap landscape for the Oilers for years to come. Here's a look at what those players, and others, said during locker cleanout day and how any new pacts could affect the roster and its future construction. It was a down season by McDavid's standards, with just 100 points. He co-led the NHL with 33 points in the playoffs and had seven points in six games in the Cup Final, but was shut out in the clincher. He said Thursday that he needs to be better. Still, McDavid remains regarded as the league's best player. At 28, there's no reason why there aren't tons of kilometres left on the engine. McDavid is about to enter the last season of his $12.5 million AAV deal. He's worth whatever he asks for, which is the maximum 20 percent of a salary cap projected to be $104 million in 2026-27. It's his if he wants it. Money matters, but that's not necessarily his main objective. McDavid said a lot of noteworthy things, less than two days removed from losing a second-straight Final — a defeat that made him feel more anger compared to last year's heartbreak. He said Thursday he needs to do what's best for his family before opting to re-sign. He said there's 'unfinished business here' for this core that's been together for years and believes they can get over the hump. He also reiterated something he's noted countless times when asked what factors he's considering. Advertisement 'Winning is the most important thing,' McDavid said. Then he added this: 'If I feel that there's a good window to win here over and over again, then signing is no problem.' It was his most pointed comment of his 16-minute avail. It was a direct message to management — his longtime former agent Jeff Jackson, the hockey operations CEO, and GM Stan Bowman. McDavid will be watching their decisions keenly over the next two weeks. It's no wonder McDavid said he isn't in a rush to re-up on July 1, the first day of free agency. Leon Draisaitl signed his eight-year extension on Sept. 3 last year. It's the decision everyone's waiting on with bated breath. 'I haven't really talked about it with Connor yet,' Draisaitl said. 'There comes a time where we (will) talk about it. But there's nothing I can tell you right now that you want to hear or you need to hear. That's his situation. 'Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course. I think everybody does.' The expectation is that McDavid will be an Oiler beyond next season. But there's a reasonable chance he doesn't take the maximum eight-year term on an extension, as colleague Chris Johnston reported. Provided that happens, the Oilers will have to be ready to offer another raise sooner than they would have hoped off McDavid's next and bigger AAV. Provided McDavid re-signs this summer, his new contract strictly falls into the category of longer-term planning because it won't impact next season's salary cap. The same can't be said for Bouchard's next deal. Bouchard needs a new contract as an RFA and is about to get a sizable raise from his current $3.9 million cap hit. Darnell Nurse's $9.25 million cap hit is expected to be the baseline for Bouchard's next AAV. Bouchard is two years away from UFA status. His counting stats, which are integral to an arbitrator's decision, are off the charts. Bouchard is eighth among NHL defencemen with 189 points over the last three seasons. He's third with 149 points over the last two campaigns. Advertisement That's to say nothing of him being the highest-scoring blueliner in each of the last three postseasons. 'That's the sign of a great hockey player. The bigger the game, the bigger the moment, the better he is,' assistant coach Paul Coffey told The Athletic during the final. 'That's a skill that not everybody has,' McDavid said Thursday. 'Does he make some boo-boos in November? Sure. We all do. His game has been just improving year after year. It seems like month by month, he just gets better and better.' The Oilers would be best to lock him up now rather than delay another year if they see him as part of their long-term future. There's no reason to think they feel otherwise. Jackson worked in concert with Bouchard's agent, Dave Gagner, before joining the Oilers. Bowman has been consistent in his desire to surround McDavid and Draisaitl with effective puck-moving defencemen. It's why he brought in John Klingberg and Jake Walman this season. And Bouchard is one of the NHL's best. There's the spectre of an offer sheet, something Bouchard didn't downplay Thursday, unlike when he was an RFA two years ago. However, interested teams could have up until July 5 to make their best pitches. That's the deadline for player-elected salary arbitration notification. The problem is the Oilers have less than $12 million in projected cap space, per PuckPedia, and that's before Frederic is addressed or the rest of the roster is filled out. That puts players such as Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson in the crosshairs — and maybe even Brett Kulak and Adam Henrique, too. Kane has one season left on his $5.125 million AAV contract and can block a trade to half the league. Arvidsson ($4 million, one year) has a full no-movement clause but wasn't pleased with his lack of playing time in the postseason. Kulak isn't someone the Oilers desire to move, but there would be a market for him at one year and $2.75 million. Henrique has another year at $3 million, but with a NMC like Arvidsson. Advertisement Bouchard was tight-lipped about his contract situation, other than to say he wants to be an Oiler. The smart money is on him returning regardless of the consequences to the roster. 'He's incredibly important to the group,' McDavid said. 'Definitely a deal that needs to get done and one that is really important for us.' Any Bouchard deal promises to consume most of the available cap space the Oilers have. Frederic is expected to eat up the rest — and then some. There are multiple reports that the 27-year-old hard-nosed forward and the Oilers are finalizing a lengthy contract (believed to be eight years) with an AAV between $3.5 million and $4 million. 'Playing this time of year, with this group, and having a chance to do that year in, year out is why I'd love to be back here,' Frederic said. The Oilers will surely have to shed some money off their books if Frederic comes back at that price tag. Specifically, Kane is a prime candidate to be moved, given Frederic presents a cheaper alternative with a similar skill set. Frederic wasn't noticeable often in the playoffs, recording a goal and four points in 22 games. The ankle injury he suffered with his previous team, the Boston Bruins, in February and then reaggravated with the Oilers on April 5 hindered him. 'I'm not really thrilled with how I played through the playoffs, but that's the past,' Frederic said. Frederic was an effective penalty killer with the Bruins, but never got that chance as he got into the mix with the Oilers following his injury. There could be a spot for him there next season. Bowman pegged Frederic as a third-line centre or top-six winger after he shipped out a second-round pick and prospects Shane Lachance and Max Wanner in March to acquire Frederic with his $2.3 million cap hit quartered. Those roles never materialized in the postseason. Advertisement 'I would love to get opportunities, but you've got to earn it,' Frederic said. 'One of the things that can make me of value is I can play left (wing), centre and right.' Interestingly, Frederic expressed a desire to play up the middle more — even full-time — which means Henrique could eventually get pushed down the lineup if he returns. The Oilers will need cheap options to round out the roster, especially up front, with Bouchard's and Frederic's contracts in tow. That's before the possibility of adding more money in net, too. Pending UFAs Corey Perry, Connor Brown and Kasperi Kapanen are among the options there. (Top photo of Connor McDavid: Codie McLachlan / Getty Images)
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Edmonton Oilers offseason: Who stays, who goes from the roster this summer?
The NHL calendar moves quickly after the playoffs end, so it's already time for the Edmonton Oilers to start thinking about next season. Coming off a second straight loss in the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers, the Oilers must immediately turn their focus toward building their team for 2025-26 and trying to make another run at a championship. Advertisement Most of the core is under contract, but that doesn't mean there aren't important decisions to be made. There's a potential extension for Connor McDavid. Evan Bouchard needs a new contract, too. There are pending unrestricted free agents to discuss and trade candidates to consider. The Oilers have just under $12 million in salary cap space, per PuckPedia. Here's where each player stands. Leon Draisaitl The Hart Trophy runner-up's eight-year extension kicks in next season. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins The guy dubbed the Swiss Army knife and the coach's favourite player has four more years on his contract with a full no-movement clause. Zach Hyman The Oilers sure missed him in the Cup Final. Darnell Nurse No, he's not perfect, but Nurse was much improved this season — perhaps having his best NHL campaign. Be annoyed all you want about his contract, but a full no-movement clause means he's going nowhere. Jake Walman General manager Stan Bowman didn't give up a first-round pick in March just to turn around and trade Walman, who has another year on his contract. Walman showed plenty of promise with the Oilers, so having him for an entire season is tantalizing. Mattias Ekholm Ekholm struggled in the Final after a long injury layoff. Though he's 35, there's little reason to believe he can't get back to being an excellent two-way defenceman if he returns to full health. Connor McDavid The smart money is on McDavid signing an extension at some point this offseason. One of his best buddies, Draisaitl, re-upped for eight years last summer. His former agent, Jeff Jackson, runs the team. McDavid has repeatedly said that the only thing that matters to him is winning. The Oilers haven't quite done that yet, so there's unfinished business in Edmonton. He'll undoubtedly want a clear picture of how the future looks before committing for the long haul. Price point and term shouldn't be issues for the Oilers. Just give the man whatever he wants for as long as he's willing to stay. Advertisement Evan Bouchard There were a few gaffes in the playoffs, but Bouchard had another magnificent postseason overall. If he hasn't firmly established himself as the Oilers' third-best player behind McDavid and Draisaitl, it's at worst up for debate. He's a cornerstone player who's a pending restricted free agent and is two years away from hitting the open market. Bouchard also has arbitration rights this summer and has the type of eye-bulging offensive stats that would allow him to score a big reward from a mediator. It's time for the Oilers to pay him. The expectation is that they will. Adam Henrique At 35, Henrique appears to be slowing down. He faded in the Final. Still, he played all but one game for the Oilers this season and has a full no-movement clause. He might end up being a pricy fourth-line centre when the playoffs start next season. Mattias Janmark He's just finishing the first of three-year contract that comes with a partial no-trade clause. He's inexpensive at $1.45 million, too. Expect him back. Vasily Podkolzin A tireless worker and aggressive forechecker, Podkolzin can play up and down the lineup for $1 million. There's nothing wrong with that. At 23, he's also the youngest player on the roster, and the Oilers need more youth. Max Jones He projects to be a 13th to 15th forward with a $1 million cap hit that can be fully buried in the minors if needed. Brett Kulak A $2.75 million hit while being in the last year of his contract means Kulak could be a cap casualty, but it's more likely than not that he will be back. The 31-year-old showed tremendous versatility and had his best NHL season. Ty Emberson He got squeezed out of the lineup in the playoffs after appearing in the first nine games. Emberson signed a two-year, $1.3 million extension before the postseason began. Advertisement Troy Stecher He's a serviceable No. 6 or No. 7 defenceman and is regarded as a great teammate. A $787,500 cap hit for another season also helps his cause. Josh Brown Brown is slated for the minors while entering the second year of a three-year contract. Like Jones, Brown has a $1 million cap hit that frees the Oilers of any cap penalties when he's not on the NHL team. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard They're lumped together here because, in some respects, they go hand in hand. Both have one more season on their contracts with cheap cap hits – $2.6 million and $1 million, respectively. Both got turns to be the starting goaltender in the postseason with runs of success. Neither posted a save percentage above .900 in either the regular season or playoffs. This must be the ultimate dilemma for Bowman, who was steadfast in his view that he didn't need a new goalie before the trade deadline. Conventional wisdom dictates the Oilers must upgrade this pivotal position, but they lack cap space, the goalie free-agent market is almost non-existent, and they have few assets to make a trade. Trent Frederic It sounds like Frederic wants to come back and that the Oilers want the same. All that seems left to determine is finalizing the term and cap hit. Frederic didn't contribute a ton in the playoffs – one goal and four points in 22 games – but he appeared restricted by the ankle injury that hindered him for weeks to end the regular season. Bowman had him pegged as a third-line centre or top-six winger when he gave up a second-round pick and two prospects to acquire him before the trade deadline. It'll be interesting to see if he can fulfill either role. Connor Brown Brown was quiet in the Final, but he was otherwise solid this season. He had 13 goals and 30 points while appearing in all 82 games before adding five goals and nine points in 20 playoff contests. Brown was on a $1 million contract this season. He loves playing for the Oilers. They could do a lot worse than bringing him back for something in that same ballpark. Corey Perry Perry's age (40) and his slow boots are yellow flags, but the Oilers should at least consider re-signing him. He had 19 goals in the regular season and another 10 in the playoffs. The superstars love having him around. Another cheap contract with incentives should be the offer. Kasperi Kapanen Kapanen found an NHL role with the Oilers after being claimed off waivers in November. His speed and tenacity would be useful to a team that lacked both at times. Advertisement John Klingberg Klingberg showed signs in the playoffs of his old self when he was a game-breaking defenceman for the Dallas Stars. However, he's 32 and the Oilers have seven defencemen under contract. Someone will almost certainly have to be moved out to make room for him to sign. Evander Kane The Oilers must clear cap space to facilitate a likely big Bouchard contract and plan for what they're hoping will be a massive McDavid extension. Dealing Kane is the most obvious way to do that. Kane is entering the last season of a contract that carries a $5.125 million cap hit and he can block a trade to half the teams in the league. He had some impressive moments in the playoffs, while posting six goals and 12 points in 21 games. That, along with his track record of being motivated in the last year of a contract, should other teams around the league. Though all that should intrigue the Oilers, too, the cap dilemma and his penalty-filled Cup Final is bound to have them at least exploring the market. That they're exploring re-signing Frederic is another sign Kane could be on the outs. Viktor Arvidsson It was a mostly disappointing first season with the Oilers for Arvidsson, a high-profile free agent signing last July 1. He was expected to provide Draisaitl with a reliable winger. Instead, he missed 15 games with an injury in the first half of the season and never really got on track. He wound up being scratched for seven playoff games, including Tuesday's finale. He was clearly annoyed by being kept out of the lineup earlier in the playoffs. Arvidsson has another year on his comes with a $4 million cap hit. The Oilers could use that cap space. But that contract also comes with a full no-movement clause, so Arvidsson has full authority to decide if and where he goes. Jeff Skinner The marriage between the player and the team clearly didn't work out. Skinner was scratched for 10 regular-season games and suited up in just five of 22 playoff contests. Skinner is a free agent, and it's best for both parties to end this relationship. Derek Ryan Ryan, 38, was an extra for the Oilers in the playoffs after playing 36 games in the regular season. He's without a contract and this might be it for his career. If so, it was an impressive run. The former University of Alberta Golden Bear appeared in 606 games despite not making his NHL debut until he was 29. (Photo of Stuart Skinner: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Where have all the Edmonton Oilers' outlet passes gone?
Through the first three rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers got rave reviews for the strong outlet passes from defence to forwards. The fast break outlets, after effective retrievals, allowed the team to play a small amount of actual defence in its own zone. It was a roaring success. Advertisement That trend continued into the early moments of the Stanley Cup Final versus the Florida Panthers. At five-on-five through the first period of Game 1, Edmonton owned a 6-3 advantage in high-danger chances and outshot the visitors 10-5. By the second period, the Panthers' forecheck and heavy hitting began to take a toll, and as the series has progressed, the Oilers have been losing the shot share. Fast forward to a wildly disappointing Game 5, and the Oilers' brilliant retrieval/outlet template is no longer a major factor in the series against Florida. What's going on with Edmonton's outlet passing? The Oilers' top passing option from the blue line, and one of the best in the NHL, is Evan Bouchard. Here's a game-by-game look at his numbers, with a series overview after five games. All numbers five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick This is an impressive player card against an elite opponent. Bouchard is showing consistent performances through five games. Single events can have major importance in a game and series, but Bouchard is delivering at impressive levels against the Panthers. The top pairing looks strong. Bouchard has played 68 minutes with Connor McDavid (57 percent expected goal share) and 33 minutes without the captain at five-on-five (59 percent expected goals). The outlet passing success, represented here by shot share and expected goals, shows top quality. Bouchard is elite. Using the same metrics, we see a clear gap between Edmonton's top and bottom defence in helping the puck move north under control. In a small sample, the expected and the actual goal share don't always march in lockstep. That leaves much to interpret. All numbers five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick This is a fascinating look at the Oilers' defence during the final. It is sorted by expected goals, and shows all of Bouchard, Jake Walman and Mattias Ekholm over 50 percent in the metric. However, Walman and John Klingberg are in the ditch in actual goal share at five-on-five during the final. This brings us to a classic discussion about small samples, actual results and the process that analytics provides. Advertisement How does that play out? The Oilers have faded Klingberg in this series. He played in the first three games, but his time on ice decreased each game. Klingberg hasn't dressed since. His on-ice goal share (17 percent) for the series is ghastly, but the expected goal share tells us there's some bad luck, and regression should occur. Expected goals are saying play the man. The actual goal share is saying he's not competitive in this series. At the other end of the graph, the expected goal share recommends that coach Kris Knoblauch fade Brett Kulak and Darnell Nurse. The expected goals aren't so poor that a healthy scratch is in order, but a less prominent role for Game 6 might be the key for Edmonton. Oilers fans across the continent expressed extreme frustration after Saturday night's result, but this series reaches Game 6 with much to be decided. The Oilers coaching staff has been trying to find a fit for Nurse during the Panthers series, and in Game 5, ran with Troy Stecher as his partner. Here are the main pairings for Game 5 and their numbers together. All numbers five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick Ekholm-Bouchard and Walman-Kulak were the two best totals (smallest sample possible) for Game 5, but the coaching staff may want to revisit the Walman-Klingberg pairing. During the postseason, the Walman-Klingberg pairing played 166 minutes together, and delivered a 58 percent shot share and 57 percent expected goal share. The Oilers outscored opponents 8-7 with the two men on the ice at five-on-five. It should be a consideration. In the next 24 hours, the conversation surrounding the Oilers will land on things like the starting goaltender, a quick start in the first period and various line combinations. The retrieval/breakout pass template that worked so well in the first three rounds may be a bigger piece of the puzzle. In the three losses against Florida, Edmonton's defenders were chasing, taking penalties or digging pucks out of the net after a goal against them. Making that part of the game a strength in this series may give Edmonton an edge not seen since the first period of Game 1. Advertisement Fans will know early if the coaching staff is deploying a more controlled outlet template. The current situation often sees a defender drill the puck from behind the Oilers' net to a forward lurking past centre ice. A tip-in and chase is the goal, but pucks are often turned over because Panthers forwards are reading that play. Icing is also a common result. The series is in the final stages but not yet over. The analytics, in a small sample, imply bringing Walman-Klingberg back as the second pairing behind Ekholm-Bouchard may be the play here. The chances of a healthy scratch for Nurse or Kulak in Game 6 are less than zero. The insertion of Stecher over Klingberg has not had the desired impact. That would leave Nurse and Kulak as the third pairing. The idea runs counter to each man's reputation, and the duo hasn't had success together across the playoffs, according to Natural Stat Trick, including the series against Florida. Math suggests a brazen solution. Play the puck movers. The five-on-five goal share for Nurse in this series is 3-3, 50 percent, in spite of an expected goal share of 39 percent. The Kulak numbers are similar. The goal for Knoblauch is to find a way to spend less time in the Oilers' zone and more time 200 feet away. Expected goals lays out a path, in a larger sample (the first three rounds), that suggests Klingberg can help win Game 6. Will Oilers fans see him on the second pairing Tuesday night? We wait. (Photo of Evan Bouchard: Chris Arjoon / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
How Evan Bouchard became Edmonton Oilers' defensive cornerstone in the NHL
Evan Bouchard (via Getty Images) There aren't many players who stand out in the hockey universe. Evan Bouchard is one of those promising young athletes. The Edmonton Oilers' 25-year-old defenseman's NHL development as a trustworthy young blue-liner has arrived in the nick of time for the Edmonton Oilers. Evan Bouchard brings measured composure with attack confidence, reshaping the Edmonton Oilers' brand in the fast-paced, high-scoring NHL of the present. Evan Bouchard's transformation into an Edmonton Oilers' star NHL player At only his mid-20s, Evan Bouchard has emerged as a seasoned professional hockey player. Evan Bouchard was born on October 20, 1999, and his career began in Oakville, Ontario, where he made it to the junior level with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. There, his vision and play had him as one of the elite defensemen from his early days. Having been selected 10th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL Draft, Evan Bouchard bounced back and forth between the NHL and the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors. It was time well invested. By the 2022–2023 season, Evan Bouchard was a full-time member of Edmonton's defense corps. RAW | Evan Bouchard 06.08.25 During the campaign, he gained over 40 points during the regular season and had some crucial assists during the playoffs to propel the Edmonton Oilers far into the playoffs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest in SALIK shares today and be part of the city's growth سالك Learn More Undo His puck-puck passing out of the zone and composure under duress were instrumental aspects. To have a defensive rock in Bouchard on a roster with franchise players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl adds depth and balance. Contract talks have already begun in progress, with insiders looking for the Edmonton Oilers to make a long-term attempt at signing Bouchard. How he's going, it's not hard to see him as an alternate captain, let alone a finalist for the Norris Trophy in the future. Also read: 'I've fallen in love with the guy': Former Maple Leafs star Jeff O'Neill praises Evan Bouchard Evan Bouchard's story shows how development, patience, and serendipity can forge a star. As the Edmonton Oilers hunt down their always-volatile Stanley Cup, the young defenseman will be included in every decision they make, on and off the ice.
