The Oilers are better this season than they were last, and cap problems might be resolved by trading Bouchard.

As the Edmonton Oilers continue to make strides this season, there’s a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the team. After several seasons of near misses and playoff heartbreaks, the Oilers are on the verge of something bigger. With a roster that features two of the best players in the world, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, along with improved depth and defensive structure, the team appears primed to make a deeper playoff push than in previous years. However, despite their on-ice success, the Oilers face a potential challenge off the ice: salary cap management. The cap issues that have plagued the Oilers in recent seasons continue to be a concern, and the team may need to consider some difficult decisions to make room for key players in the future.

One name that has emerged as a potential trade candidate to address the Oilers’ cap problems is Evan Bouchard, the young, talented defenseman who has shown immense promise as both a two-way player and a power-play quarterback. Trading Bouchard would represent a significant move, but it may also be the key to resolving Edmonton’s ongoing cap issues, allowing them to add more depth or retain other essential pieces moving forward.

The Edmonton Oilers: A Stronger Team This Season

Before diving into the potential cap challenges and trade discussions surrounding Bouchard, it’s essential to understand why the Oilers are better this season than they were last. Several factors have contributed to the team’s improvement, with both individual performances and team-wide changes making a significant impact.

1. Improved Defensive Play

One of the most significant areas of improvement for the Oilers this season has been their defensive play. For years, Edmonton was known for its offensive prowess but struggled to keep the puck out of its own net. This season, however, they’ve made strides in their defensive zone coverage, thanks in part to new acquisitions and better team cohesion.

A key addition to the Oilers’ defensive unit was Mattias Ekholm, who was traded to Edmonton at the 2023 trade deadline. Ekholm’s presence has helped solidify the Oilers’ blue line, bringing both veteran leadership and physicality to the back end. His ability to play in all situations has provided much-needed stability alongside Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci, who have also played solid defensive hockey this season. The defensive unit as a whole has been more disciplined, with fewer breakdowns in coverage and an improved ability to clear the puck from their own zone.

Additionally, the development of young defenseman Evan Bouchard has been crucial to the Oilers’ success. Bouchard has continued to grow into a top-four defenseman, showcasing his offensive skills and ability to move the puck efficiently. He has emerged as a reliable partner for Ekholm and has provided a dynamic presence on the power play. His offensive production has been a bright spot, helping to boost the Oilers’ five-on-five scoring and contributing to their overall improved defensive structure.

2. Improved Depth Scoring

Another area where the Oilers have made significant progress is in depth scoring. In past seasons, the team was often reliant on the top line of McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman to generate offense. While that trio remains dominant, the Oilers have seen increased contributions from their bottom six this year. Players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Kailer Yamamoto, and Jesse Puljujärvi have chipped in offensively, providing more balance throughout the lineup.

This offensive depth has been a critical factor in the Oilers’ improvement. With more players contributing on the scoresheet, opposing teams are no longer able to key in on McDavid and Draisaitl. The Oilers’ depth scoring has made them a more difficult team to shut down, and it has helped reduce the burden on their top players to carry the offense night in and night out.

3. Goaltending Stability

In recent seasons, the Oilers’ goaltending situation has been a topic of concern. However, Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have provided more stability in net this season. While neither goaltender has been perfect, both have shown the ability to make key saves when needed and give the team a chance to win on most nights.

The improved goaltending has allowed the Oilers to focus more on their offensive game and less on defensive miscues or defensive zone turnovers. With a more reliable tandem in goal, the team has been able to play with more confidence and structure.

4. Team Chemistry and System Play

A final piece of the puzzle has been the improvement in team chemistry and system play. Head coach Jay Woodcroft has continued to implement a system that emphasizes structure and discipline while also encouraging offensive creativity. The team has bought into the system, and it’s clear that players are more comfortable with their roles. The Oilers are playing a more balanced game, with an emphasis on both ends of the ice.

The result has been a more consistent and reliable team overall. The Oilers have been able to stay in games longer and compete with some of the league’s top teams more effectively than in previous seasons.

The Edmonton Oilers’ Cap Crunch

While the Oilers have made impressive strides this season, they face a significant challenge moving forward: managing their salary cap. As of this season, the Oilers are up against the salary cap ceiling, with several key players either needing extensions or already signed to long-term deals that take up a large chunk of the team’s cap space.

Some of the primary players whose contracts will impact the Oilers’ cap situation in the coming seasons include McDavid and Draisaitl, whose contracts are among the highest in the NHL. While both players are worth every penny, their lucrative contracts limit the flexibility the Oilers have to build a deeper roster. Additionally, other players like Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and Darnell Nurse also have significant cap hits, meaning that the Oilers may need to make some tough decisions in order to stay within the cap and keep the team competitive.

Evan Bouchard: The Trade Dilemma

With the Oilers’ cap situation continuing to tighten, one player who has emerged as a potential trade candidate is Evan Bouchard. Bouchard, 23, is an exciting young defenseman who has been a key part of the team’s improved defense this season. His ability to move the puck and quarterback the power play has made him a valuable asset to the Oilers, and his potential for growth is sky-high. However, Bouchard’s contract situation and the team’s cap crunch could make him a player the Oilers look to trade in the coming months.

Bouchard is currently in the final year of his entry-level contract, which means he will require a new contract soon. While he is still on a relatively affordable deal, his next contract could command a significant raise, particularly if he continues to develop at his current rate. If the Oilers are unable to clear cap space elsewhere, Bouchard could become a trade chip to free up money for other roster moves.

While trading Bouchard would be a tough decision, it may be the most pragmatic solution for the Oilers in terms of cap management. The Oilers could potentially move Bouchard for a package that includes draft picks, prospects, or a more affordable defenseman who can provide similar contributions at a lower cap hit. This would allow them to reallocate cap space to other areas of need, such as adding more depth up front or signing key players to long-term extensions.

Why Bouchard Could Be Traded

There are several reasons why trading Bouchard might make sense for the Oilers:

1. Salary Cap Constraints: As mentioned, the Oilers are facing a significant cap crunch, and Bouchard’s next contract could be expensive. Trading him could free up space to sign other players or acquire assets that fit better within the cap structure.
2. Defensive Depth: The Oilers have a solid defensive core with players like Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, and Cody Ceci, all of whom provide stability. While Bouchard is a key part of their future, the team could explore moving him if they can find a suitable replacement who is more affordable.
3. Depth in the System: The Oilers have several young defensemen in the system, including Philip Broberg and Vincent Desharnais, who could be ready to step into a larger role in the near future. Moving Bouchard would open up space for these players to develop and contribute at the NHL level.
4. Improved Depth Scoring: If the Oilers are able to move Bouchard for a forward or other offensive piece, it could help add more scoring depth to the roster. The Oilers’ ability to generate offense beyond their top line has been a key improvement this season, and acquiring another forward could further bolster their depth.

What the Oilers Could Get in Return

If the Oilers decide to trade Bouchard, they could potentially receive a high return, given his talent and age. Teams looking to add a young, dynamic defenseman with offensive upside would be willing to pay a premium for Bouchard. The Oilers could seek draft picks, prospects, or a forward who can contribute to their top-six and provide added depth.

Navigating Cap Issues for Future Success

The Edmonton Oilers are undoubtedly a better team this season compared to previous years, with significant improvements in defensive play, depth scoring, and team chemistry. However, their ongoing salary cap issues pose a major challenge for the future, and Evan Bouchard could be the key to solving that problem. While trading Bouchard would be a tough decision, it may ultimately be necessary to maintain the team’s competitive window and allow them to build a deeper, more sustainable roster.

The Oilers’ success this season has been a positive step forward, but managing the salary cap will be a critical factor in whether they can continue to compete for a Stanley Cup in the years to come. The team’s front office will need to weigh the long-term benefits of keeping Bouchard versus the potential for freeing up cap space and adding assets that can help the Oilers remain a championship contender. Either way, the Oilers are on the right path, and with some careful cap management, they could be a force in the NHL for years to come.