Edmonton Oilers Expected to Make Bold Offseason Moves Including Possibility of Re-Signing Star Defenseman Evan Bouchard Soon

The Edmonton Oilers are heading into what promises to be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent franchise history. After another deep playoff run that ended in disappointment, General Manager Ken Holland and the Oilers front office are expected to be aggressive in reshaping the roster, addressing key needs, and ensuring the team remains a Stanley Cup contender. At the heart of those discussions is the looming decision regarding defenseman Evan Bouchard, whose future with the Oilers is a topic of growing speculation across the NHL.

For Oilers fans, the 2024-25 season left a bittersweet taste. The team showed flashes of brilliance, with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl once again putting up staggering numbers. The Oilers demonstrated they could hang with the NHL’s elite, dispatching formidable opponents en route to the Western Conference Final. But ultimately, they fell short of hoisting the Stanley Cup — a familiar storyline for a franchise desperate to end its championship drought.

That outcome has placed immense pressure on management to make impactful moves this offseason. Edmonton’s window to win is wide open, but it won’t stay that way forever. With McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime, every year is considered a win-now season. The decisions made over the next few weeks could shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.

At the center of those offseason priorities is Evan Bouchard.

Bouchard, the 24-year-old right-shot defenseman, has developed into one of the NHL’s most promising blueliners. His breakout performances during the 2023-24 season and subsequent playoff run solidified his status as a core piece of the Oilers’ future — if they can manage to keep him.

Drafted 10th overall by Edmonton in 2018, Bouchard has steadily climbed the ranks, evolving from a promising prospect into a reliable, offensive-minded defenseman capable of anchoring the power play and contributing at both ends of the ice. His poise with the puck, booming shot, and ability to quarterback the man advantage make him invaluable, especially for a team built around offensive firepower.

During the 2023-24 regular season, Bouchard posted career-high numbers, registering 66 points (18 goals, 48 assists) in 82 games. His performance not only earned league-wide recognition but also highlighted just how essential he is to the Oilers’ long-term plans.

However, his breakout year has also complicated contract negotiations. Bouchard is set to become a restricted free agent, and given his production, he is expected to command a significant raise. Reports suggest Bouchard’s next deal could be in the ballpark of $7-8 million annually, a number that would place him among the league’s highest-paid young defensemen.

For Edmonton, retaining Bouchard is a priority, but it also presents cap challenges. The Oilers have several high-salary players on the books, including McDavid, Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and Zach Hyman. Balancing the roster while keeping Bouchard in the fold requires careful financial maneuvering.

The Oilers’ management is reportedly exploring multiple avenues to make the numbers work. One option includes moving out existing contracts to create the necessary cap space. Players like Cody Ceci, Brett Kulak, or Warren Foegele could become trade candidates as the team looks to shed salary. There’s also speculation surrounding potential buyouts or restructuring certain deals to ensure the Oilers can meet Bouchard’s asking price without sacrificing too much depth.

While the Bouchard situation commands significant attention, it’s far from the only storyline to monitor this offseason.

The Oilers are expected to be active in both the free-agent market and trade discussions. Secondary scoring remains a concern, and adding depth on the wings or at center could help alleviate pressure from the top-heavy lineup. Edmonton is also believed to be targeting veteran players with playoff experience — the type of gritty, reliable contributors needed to win tough, physical postseason battles.

Goaltending, though not the most pressing issue compared to previous years, still lingers as an area of interest. Stuart Skinner showed promise as the team’s starter, but questions remain about whether he can carry the full workload deep into the playoffs. A reliable backup or a goaltender capable of pushing Skinner could be on the shopping list.

The Oilers also face decisions regarding their pending unrestricted free agents. Veterans like Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, and Vincent Desharnais have expiring contracts. While some may return on team-friendly deals, others could walk in free agency. Each move will have ripple effects on the team’s cap situation and overall roster composition.

Internally, the development of younger players like Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, and Raphael Lavoie will also shape offseason strategy. If those players are ready to assume larger roles, it may ease the need for expensive outside additions, giving the Oilers more flexibility to focus their financial resources on re-signing Bouchard and upgrading other areas.

The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Edmonton can capitalize on its current championship window. Ken Holland, now in his fifth year leading the Oilers’ front office, faces both high expectations and mounting pressure to deliver results. His ability to navigate complex negotiations, manage the salary cap, and enhance the roster could ultimately define his legacy in Edmonton.

For Bouchard, his potential contract extension represents not just a personal milestone, but a statement from the franchise about its commitment to building a championship-caliber blue line. His presence alongside Nurse, along with the steady contributions from Mattias Ekholm, provides the foundation of a defensive corps capable of supporting the team’s offensive stars.

Oilers fans have been down this road before — hopeful offseasons, bold moves, and the belief that the next season will finally be the one that delivers a Stanley Cup parade down Jasper Avenue. This time, however, the stakes feel higher. The core is in place, the lessons from past playoff failures are fresh, and the team is knocking on the door.

Re-signing Evan Bouchard is more than just a transaction — it’s a message to the league that the Oilers aren’t content with near-misses. They’re building for sustained success, determined to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton for the first time since 1990.

As the offseason unfolds, fans will anxiously await the announcements, the trades, the signings, and above all, the fate of Evan Bouchard. His signature on a new contract could be the first domino that sets the tone for a summer of transformation — and perhaps, finally, a season where Edmonton finishes the job.

For now, the speculation continues, the rumors swirl, and Oil Country holds its breath, hoping the next chapter brings the ultimate prize back home.