Evan Bouchard is excited to stay in Edmonton with a new four-year contract extension & continue to help push the Oilers towards a championship.
In a move that has excited both the Edmonton Oilers organization and its fanbase, defenseman Evan Bouchard has signed a four-year contract extension to remain with the team. The new deal, which carries significant value, sees Bouchard locked in with the Oilers until the end of the 2027-2028 season. At just 23 years old, this contract extension signals that the Oilers have faith in Bouchard’s ability to grow into one of the top defensemen in the NHL, while also reinforcing the team’s commitment to building a championship contender around its core of stars.
Bouchard’s journey to this point has been one of steady progression, both as a player and a leader within the Oilers’ locker room. Known for his exceptional hockey IQ, strong offensive game, and ability to quarterback the power play, Bouchard is quickly becoming one of the Oilers’ most valuable assets. With his new contract, he is poised to play a critical role in helping the Oilers take that elusive next step and finally win a Stanley Cup.
The signing is not just a win for Bouchard; it’s a statement of intent from the Oilers organization. After making it to the Western Conference Finals last season, Edmonton has shown that they are committed to competing for the Cup. The addition of Bouchard to the long-term plans is a clear indication that the team believes he will be a cornerstone in their pursuit of a championship, both now and in the future.
Evan Bouchard’s path to the NHL was not without its challenges, but his journey has been marked by consistent improvement and development. Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round (10th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Bouchard was hailed as a talented two-way defenseman with an advanced offensive game. Coming out of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played for the London Knights, Bouchard was known for his smooth skating, elite vision, and ability to move the puck efficiently. His high hockey IQ and advanced passing ability made him a natural fit for a top-pairing role in the NHL, and the Oilers were quick to recognize his potential.
After spending a few more seasons developing in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, Bouchard made his NHL debut in 2020-2021. In his rookie season, he showed flashes of brilliance, tallying 16 points in 44 games while impressing coaches and fans alike with his poise and maturity on the ice. Bouchard’s early success was a sign that he was ready for the NHL, and he continued to build on that momentum in subsequent seasons.
His breakout season came in 2022-2023, when Bouchard emerged as one of the top young defensemen in the league. With 43 points in 81 games, including 14 goals, he showed that he could contribute not just defensively but also offensively, making an impact on both the power play and five-on-five situations. Bouchard’s ability to push the pace of play and make key breakout passes made him an essential part of the Oilers’ blue line. His partnership with star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, particularly on the power play, helped the Oilers maintain one of the most potent offenses in the league.
It was during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs that Bouchard truly began to solidify his place as one of the top young defensemen in the game. With the Oilers’ blue line often stretched thin, Bouchard stepped up in a big way. His offensive contributions were crucial during Edmonton’s deep playoff run, where he tallied 10 points in 12 games, including key assists on game-changing goals. His ability to manage the puck, play in all situations, and contribute offensively in clutch moments made him an invaluable asset to the team.
The four-year contract extension is a huge milestone for both Bouchard and the Oilers. For Bouchard, it provides long-term security and an opportunity to continue growing with the team. At 23, Bouchard is entering the prime years of his career, and the new deal gives him the chance to prove that he can continue to develop into a top-tier defenseman in the NHL. With the extension, he will also have the opportunity to form even greater chemistry with the Oilers’ star players, particularly McDavid and Draisaitl, as they all strive toward one collective goal: winning a Stanley Cup.
For the Oilers, this deal is a critical piece in their plan to contend for a championship in the near future. With the signing of Bouchard, the Oilers lock down a young, dynamic defenseman who is capable of playing in all situations and contributing in various aspects of the game. Whether it’s quarterbacking the power play, leading the breakout, or being relied upon in high-pressure moments, Bouchard is a player the Oilers will count on heavily moving forward.
The contract also provides stability on the blue line for the next few years. While the Oilers’ offense is undeniably potent, their defense has been a point of concern at times. Bouchard’s signing helps address that concern by giving the Oilers a reliable and talented defender who has already shown he can play with the best in the world. With Bouchard locked up long-term, the Oilers can now focus on rounding out the rest of their defensive corps and continuing to build the foundation of a championship-winning team.
Evan Bouchard’s role on the Oilers cannot be overstated. As one of the team’s most skilled defensemen, he is relied upon to contribute at both ends of the ice. His biggest strength lies in his ability to generate offense from the back end. Bouchard’s vision and hockey IQ make him an excellent distributor of the puck, able to find his teammates on the move and spring the offense from his own zone.
In particular, Bouchard’s role on the power play is crucial to the Oilers’ success. He has a natural ability to quarterback the man advantage, setting up plays and finding shooting lanes for McDavid, Draisaitl, and others. His one-timer from the point has become a signature weapon, and his ability to quickly transition the puck out of the Oilers’ zone allows the team to maintain offensive pressure and wear down opposing defenses.
Defensively, Bouchard has shown consistent improvement over the years. While he may not be the biggest or most physical defenseman, his positioning, ability to read the play, and ability to anticipate passes make him an effective defensive presence. He plays a mature, responsible game and is rarely caught out of position. Additionally, his skating ability allows him to move quickly around the ice and keep up with the pace of play, a crucial skill in today’s fast-paced NHL.
The Oilers have often relied on Bouchard to play heavy minutes in all situations, and he has consistently delivered. Whether it’s late in a tight game, in overtime, or during critical penalty kills, Bouchard is a player that Head Coach Jay Woodcroft trusts to handle any situation. This confidence in his abilities has allowed Bouchard to flourish in Edmonton, and with his contract extension, he will continue to be a central figure in the team’s defensive unit
While Bouchard’s on-ice abilities are obvious, his contributions extend beyond just his play. As one of the younger players on the team, Bouchard has quickly become a leader in the Oilers’ locker room. His maturity, professionalism, and work ethic have earned the respect of both his teammates and the coaching staff.
Bouchard’s approach to the game is highly regarded by his peers, and his willingness to learn and improve has made him a key part of the team’s culture. Having been mentored by veteran defensemen like Duncan Keith and Cody Ceci, Bouchard has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game, and now he is becoming a leader in his own right.
His ability to stay calm under pressure and his focus on continuous development make him a player that the Oilers can count on both on and off the ice. Bouchard’s leadership qualities will be especially important as the Oilers look to make a serious push for the Cup over the next few years. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the offense, Bouchard has the potential to be a key leader on the blue line, helping to mentor the next generation of defensemen and continuing to build a winning culture in Edmonton.
With Evan Bouchard now signed to a long-term deal, the future looks bright for both the young defenseman and the Edmonton Oilers. As one of the most talented young defensemen in the league, Bouchard has the potential to develop into an elite player who can contribute to all aspects of the game. His ability to generate offense, play solid defense, and step up in big moments makes him an invaluable asset for the Oilers as they continue their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
For the Oilers, securing Bouchard for the next four years is a major step in solidifying their roster and ensuring that they have the core pieces in place to contend for championships. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way offensively, and Bouchard anchoring the defense, the Oilers are positioned to be a strong contender in the coming seasons.
As the Oilers continue to refine their roster and push for a championship, Bouchard’s development will be one of the key storylines to watch. He has the potential to become one of the top defensemen in the league, and with his new contract extension, he will have the opportunity to grow and help lead the Oilers to the ultimate goal.
The excitement around Bouchard’s signing is palpable, as fans are eager to see what the future holds for both the player and the team. With his skill set, leadership, and dedication to his craft, Evan Bouchard is poised to be a major factor in the Oilers’ quest for a Stanley Cup in the coming years.
