Everything to know about Evan Bouchard's $42M deal: How the Hurricanes' aggressive threat that changed everything
The Edmonton Oilers moved swiftly this offseason to lock in rising star defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $42 million contract. But behind the scenes, there was more urgency than fans realized—and it had everything to do with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Oilers wanted long-term deal but had to compromise under pressure
According to 32 Thoughts podcast host and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes pressured Edmonton with the threat of an offer sheet. While one never officially materialized, the aggressive posturing from Carolina was enough to jolt the Oilers into action.
'The reason Evan Bouchard's extension got done in Edmonton so quickly was because they threatened the Oilers with an offer sheet,' Friedman revealed.
Initially, the Oilers aimed to secure Bouchard on a maximum eight-year extension. But the defender's camp reportedly saw more value in a shorter-term deal, especially with the salary cap projected to rise in coming seasons.
General manager Stan Bowman explained how the negotiations unfolded: 'We certainly were hoping to do an eight-year deal, but that was never really in the cards,' Bowman admitted. 'In the negotiations, an eight-year term was really never in the cards.'
That pressure—combined with the Hurricanes' reported interest—forced Edmonton to settle for four years at $10.5 million per year, a higher-than-expected number. Friedman noted that the Hurricanes' tactics likely pushed the average annual value beyond the initial projection of $9.5 million.
Bouchard bet on himself and cashed in after breakout season
The urgency wasn't unwarranted. Bouchard is coming off a breakout season where he racked up 67 points in 82 regular-season games and added another 23 points in 22 playoff appearances.
His offensive upside and poise under pressure have made him a cornerstone on Edmonton's blue line.
By agreeing to a four-year deal, Bouchard is betting that he can elevate his play even further—and cash in again before turning 30.
Also Read:
Toronto Maple Leafs face mounting pressure to replace Mitch Marner after free agency failures
The Hurricanes may not have landed the defender, but their behind-the-scenes maneuvering undeniably impacted the NHL offseason. Meanwhile, the Oilers now have their key blueliner locked in—at a steep price, but with their Stanley Cup window still wide open.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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