NHL insider reveals Oilers new contract offer to defender Evan Bouchard

The 25 year old right shot defenceman is continuing his incredible playoff scoring rate this year, now up to 54 points in his last 44 playoff games - and has proven himself to be a long term piece on this team.

According to a new update from NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers original offer to Bouchard was an $8.5M salary on a long term deal.

After another great season and playoffs, the offer is now closer to $10M - and both sides are willing to get it done before free agency.

Bouchard has been a polarizing player for many Oilers fans with some glaring costly turnovers at times, but he's produced elite results for years now and elevates his game to new heights in the playoffs.

Keeping him long term will be key to making the Oilers a contending team for a long time. There's not many puck moving right shot defenceman like him, who provide the perfect backing to an elite forward group like the Oilers have.

Getting Bouchard signed under $11M with the NHL salary cap set to rise quickly in the next few years would be an incredible move by the Oilers, and keep them as contenders for years.

For now, the Oilers will need Evan Bouchard to bring his absolute best in tonight's critical Game 4 matchup against the Florida Panthers. Puck drops tonight in Florida at 6PM MT, and the Oilers will try to take the Cup Final back to Alberta tied.