That defenseman is Evan Bouchard. Evan Bouchard is a 23-year-old defenseman who was selected 10th overall in the 2018 draft. He's currently making $863,333. You would think to sign him to a new long term contract, but Edmonton has different plans according to reports.
Many don't understand this. You sign him to a one year deal as a bandaid, but then you're going to pay him more in the long run if he has an even better season next year, which it sure looks like it after a strong playoffs.
It seems like think Ken Holland is looking at the cap situation and realizing he has a lot of solid young players needing contracts, and he might not be able to afford all of them. Evan Bouchard, Ryan McLeod, Klim Kostin, Kailer Yamamoto, Dylan Holloway and Philipp Broberg all need contracts over the next two years. This year, the Oilers only have $5 million in cap, next year they have $19 million, which is better, but the contracts they sign this year could eat into next year's cap.
In my opinion, if there's one guy that should stay, it's Bouchard. In his second full season as an Oiler, he had 40 points in 82 games. In the playoffs, Evan had 17 points in 23 games, being a pivotal part to the blue line. Bouchard is only 23 and you cannot let him go. Sign him long term now and save some money in the future, even if that means making some tough decisions.
