The Edmonton Oilers have made it to the post-season again and are in a battle with the Los Angeles Kings. They need all hands on deck and with the addition of Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard can continue to grow.
However, this presents a quandary for Ken Holland, as the young defenseman will be an RFA at the end of the season and will be due a qualifying offer, which is expected to be quite large as Bouchard has worked his way up a lot, and will be due for a big pay day.
If Bouchard would refuse the bridge deal and negotiations tank, we might see a trade, but given the Edmonton Oilers winning culture lately, does it make sense for him to leave? Assumptions are he would continue to play with Ekholm as well should he return.