Stan Bowman makes concerning comment about re-signing Evan Bouchard
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
Edmonton Oilers superstar defenceman Evan Bouchard is set to become a pending RFA at the end of this season, and Stan Bowman has recently come out with some concerning comments about re-signing him.
Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman recently did an interview with the Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman, stating he's unsure if the Edmonton Oilers will re-sign Evan Bouchard.
»We have had internal discussions. But as far as engaging with his agent, not really. Whether we will or not, I'm not sure. But he's playing better lately, too. He got up to a slow start, but it's nice to see his game rounding into form.»
- Stan Bowman
- Stan Bowman
According to the Oilers GM, there have been internal talks with Evan Bouchard, but he doesn't seem hard pressed to negotiate a deal anytime soon.
Stan Bowman's admission of uncertainty about engaging with Evan Bouchard's agent has sparked some concern amongst fans about a potential relocation next season.
Bouchard is only a restricted free agent, so the Oilers will still have priority to keep him next season. However, he will be eligible for salary arbitration.
Perhaps the Oilers don't try to sign Bouchard to a long-term deal this offseason, and instead try to keep his salary down with team leverage over the RFA. It's surprising to see Bowman say that Bouchard is improving, which suggests that he's been really struggling early this season.
-Liam McCormick, Oilers Daily
Perhaps the Oilers don't try to sign Bouchard to a long-term deal this offseason, and instead try to keep his salary down with team leverage over the RFA. It's surprising to see Bowman say that Bouchard is improving, which suggests that he's been really struggling early this season.
-Liam McCormick, Oilers Daily
In 23 regular season games, Evan Bouchard has notched 6 goals and 11 assists, and is on pace to score 20 goals -- far from the level of production displayed during the 2023-24 season.
During the off-season, it Evan Bouchard's price-tag was revealed around the $10-11 million dollar mark, creating a complicated situation with Connor McDavid's contract renewal also on the horizon.
As it stands, Evan Bouchard has to prove he's the all-star defenceman he was last year, or things could get ugly during contract negotiations.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 30 | 208 ANSWERS Stan Bowman makes concerning comment about re-signing Evan Bouchard Do you think the Edmonton Oilers should re-sign Evan Bouchard? | ||
| Yes | 120 | 57.7 % |
| No | 88 | 42.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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