The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenceman Evan Bouchard to a 4 year deal AVV 10.5M, $42M extension..
BREAKING: Edmonton Oilers Sign Defenceman Evan Bouchard to Massive 4-Year, $42 Million Extension
Edmonton, AB – July 4, 2025 — The Edmonton Oilers have made a bold statement regarding the future of their blue line by locking in one of the NHL’s most promising young defencemen. On Thursday, the team officially announced that Evan Bouchard has signed a four-year contract extension worth a staggering $42 million, averaging $10.5 million annually (AVV).
This lucrative deal places Bouchard among the highest-paid defencemen in the league and underscores just how pivotal the Oilers believe he is to their future Stanley Cup aspirations.
A New Era of Commitment
The signing marks a defining moment in Edmonton’s long-term roster planning. General Manager Ken Holland praised Bouchard’s development and poise, emphasizing the organization’s confidence in him becoming the cornerstone of the Oilers’ defensive corps.
> “Evan has shown maturity beyond his years, both on and off the ice,” Holland said during the press conference. “He’s one of the best puck-moving defencemen in the NHL today. He’s crucial to our transition game, our power play, and our identity going forward.”
Bouchard’s Rise Through the Ranks
Drafted 10th overall by the Oilers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Bouchard was touted early on as a smooth-skating, offensively-gifted blueliner with high hockey IQ. After honing his game with the London Knights and spending developmental time with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL, Bouchard made his full-time NHL leap in the 2021-22 season.
Since then, the 24-year-old has steadily evolved into one of the league’s top offensive defencemen. In the 2024-25 season, he set a new personal record, tallying 68 points (14 goals, 54 assists) in 80 games, earning him All-Star honors and positioning him as a dark horse Norris Trophy candidate.
Power Play Catalyst
Perhaps no aspect of Bouchard’s game stands out more than his quarterbacking ability on the power play. After taking over the top unit responsibilities from Tyson Barrie and later Darnell Nurse, Bouchard thrived in the role. His calm puck management, booming shot from the point, and vision helped maintain the Oilers’ power play as one of the league’s most lethal, alongside stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The Oilers led the league in power play percentage for two consecutive seasons, with Bouchard playing a key role in facilitating puck movement and exploiting defensive gaps.
Locker Room and Fan Reactions
The news of the extension was met with celebration in the Oilers’ locker room. Captain Connor McDavid offered strong praise for Bouchard, calling him “one of the smartest and most reliable guys on the ice” and “a player who just keeps getting better.”
Oilers fans also lit up social media platforms, lauding the move as a necessary step toward building a championship-caliber roster. Though the $10.5 million cap hit raised some eyebrows, most agreed that the Oilers were wise to secure Bouchard before he hit unrestricted free agency.
> “We’ve waited decades for a core this strong,” one fan tweeted. “Bouchard is the missing link between McDavid’s magic up front and stability on the back end. This is a Cup-caliber move.”
Salary Cap Implications and the Bigger Picture
The deal does create financial pressure for Edmonton moving forward. With Bouchard’s $10.5 million salary now on the books, and McDavid, Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman also carrying significant contracts, the Oilers must navigate their cap space carefully. Rumors of a possible trade involving high-salaried veterans have already begun swirling, with speculation pointing to potential moves in the offseason to create flexibility.
Still, this deal signals Edmonton’s intention to win — and win now. It also sends a message to Draisaitl, whose contract expires at the end of next season, that the franchise is committed to surrounding its stars with elite talent.
What Comes Next
With Bouchard locked in through the 2028-29 season, the Oilers now have a premier top-pairing defenceman in his prime. Expect head coach Kris Knoblauch to continue pairing him with a stay-at-home defender — possibly Mattias Ekholm — allowing Bouchard to maximize his offensive instincts while shoring up defensive responsibilities.
Bouchard himself expressed excitement and gratitude during Thursday’s press conference:
> “It means the world to know this team believes in me,” Bouchard said. “Edmonton has become home. I’m thrilled to be part of this group and can’t wait to bring a Cup to Oil Country.”
Final Thoughts
This deal is a win-win for both player and team. For Bouchard, it’s validation of his hard work and exponential growth. For the Oilers, it’s an investment in stability, firepower, and a clear declaration of their intent to build around an elite core.
With the 2025-26 season fast approaching, all eyes now turn to how this revamped, cap-conscious roster performs under the weight of championship expectations. One thing is certain: with Evan Bouchard signed long-term, the Edmonton Oilers are not just thinking about making the playoffs — they’re thinking dynasty.