After shedding each Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to supply sheets, it could make some sense that followers (perhaps even the Edmonton Oilers) can be fearful a few staff concentrating on defenseman Evan Bouchard subsequent summer time. Bouchard is coming off a breakout season the place he posted 18 targets and 82 factors, ending fifth in Norris Trophy voting and cementing himself as one of many NHL’s elite defensemen. There’s quite a bit to love concerning the participant.
Heading into the ultimate yr of his $3.9 million contract, the Oilers know he’s going to get a hefty increase. A staff seeing the Oilers’ cap state of affairs could be enticed — because the Blues have been — to take benefit. However, Edmonton ought to have little concern about shedding him by way of supply sheet regardless of his pending restricted free agent (RFA) standing on the finish of the season.
Bouchard’s state of affairs and the one Edmonton confronted in opposition to St. Louis may be very totally different.
Oilers Know Bouchard Will Be Costly, They Are Making ready For It
The Oilers are well-prepared for Bouchard’s subsequent contract, understanding that his worth has skyrocketed. He’ll possible command an AAV within the vary of $9.5 – $10.5 million, with the potential to push nearer to $11 million if he delivers one other dominant season. Nevertheless, Edmonton is already planning to accommodate that form of wage, absolutely conscious of his value.
Not like earlier conditions with Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, whom the Oilers misplaced this summer time because of their tight cap, the staff is aware of that one other sturdy season means Bouchard has earned his cash. Broberg and Holloway hadn’t. One other main issue working within the Oilers’ favor is Bouchard’s arbitration rights as an RFA, which is able to present some management over his subsequent deal.
What Groups Have The Needed Belongings To Provide Sheet Bouchard?
Though supply sheets may technically be a risk, the state of affairs is way from a major menace. For a proposal sheet to happen — one that’s value round what Bouchard is projected to make –, the staff making the bid would wish the mandatory draft picks (two first-rounders, a second, and a 3rd, or 4 first-rounders), together with the cap area. A fast look across the NHL exhibits that almost all contenders don’t have that.
So too, the Oilers might be ready to match an $11 million supply sheet, assuming Bouchard even indicators one. And, why would he? If the Oilers are ready to present him $10 million per season on a long-term deal, he can get one of the best worth in Edmonton, the place the staff is already a contender. Once more, in contrast to Broberg and Holloway, Bouchard is a important a part of the Oilers’ sport plan. He has a task alongside Connor McDavid and is extraordinarily profitable on the Oilers’ prime power-play unit. If Bouchard cares something about profitable and his legacy, Edmonton is one of the best place for him.
Oilers Are Ready to Hold Bouchard
Edmonton can be in a a lot better place to handle their cap heading into subsequent season than they have been this summer time. With a projected cap area of $14.6 million assuming a $92 million cap ceiling, they’ve the flexibleness to navigate any Bouchard supply sheet state of affairs.
As Harman Dayal of The Athletic factors out, pending UFAs like Jeff Skinner, Connor Brown, and Corey Perry may both depart or be re-signed for minimal cap hits, and Matt Savoie may step right into a top-nine position on an entry-level contract. Moreover, shifting Evander Kane’s last season ($5.125 million) stays a possible choice to create extra cap room.
Whereas the Oilers’ wage cap will nonetheless be tight, they’re in charge of the state of affairs. Bouchard’s extension will possible be a precedence, and a proposal sheet situation seems inconceivable.
Subsequent: Which Prime Defenseman Was an Oilers Insider Teasing in a Commerce?
