"He's not Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes" - NHL analyst speculates over Evan Bouchard's future with Oilers

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Sep 10, 2024 21:33 GMT

TSN Analyst Frankie Corrado discussed Edmonton Oilers blueliner Evan Bouchard’s future with the team.

Corrado focused on Bouchard’s next contract with the Oilers. However, Corrado made a key point regarding Evan Bouchard’s role in the club, stating:

“He’s not Cale Makar, he’s not Quinn Hughes. He’s not a one-man show.”

The comments come about the environment in which Bouchard plays in Edmonton. Bouchard is surrounded by stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and most importantly, defense partner Mattias Ekholm.

Corrado added:

“If he has a massive, massive year numbers-wise, which he very well could, he plays on that power play, and he's not just a decoy.”

“He's a big part of that power play, and he puts up 90, 95 points. If he's crawling into that 100-point pace, which is crazy, it's crazy to think about, but he's that talented offensively. He can do it.”

Corrado then said:

“And you still have to keep in mind, he has to ride shotgun with Matias Ekholm.”

With Bouchard’s deal up at the end of this season, the Edmonton Oilers will need to find a way to keep him after signing Draisaitl to a massive extension that kicks in next season. The team will need to be creative to fit everyone under the cap.

What could Evan Bouchard’s next deal look like with the Edmonton Oilers?

Corrado posed a question during his recent appearance:

“Do you want to pay him (Bouchard) $10 million?”

The answers to that question could get tricky. If the Oilers feel that Bouchard is in the same league as Hughes and Makar, Bouchard could get a deal similar to Makar’s six-year $54 million contract or Hughes’ six-year $47.1 million deal.

Both deals seem cheap considering the offense and the awards Makar and Hughes have put up. Thus far, Bouchard does not have a Norris Trophy or a significant statistical season to back up a substantial contract.

It’s worth pointing out that the Colorado Avalanche signed Makar to his deal before he became a Norris Trophy winner. But the Avs did sign him following a Calder Trophy win.

Meanwhile, Hughes is captain of the Vancouver Canucks and arguably the team’s most talented player. That’s something that Bouchard may be unable to claim.

Ultimately, Bouchard’s next deal could be similar to Hughes’ current contract. An AAV of $7 to $8 million could seem reasonable. However, the term may become a sticking point. Evan Bouchard may not be inclined to a maximum eight-year term. He might be more inclined to a six-year deal, giving him a chance to become a UFA sooner, rather than later.