Oilers closing in on new deal for Evan Bouchard that could be major mistake

Bouchard is reportedly seeking between $10M - $11M AAV on his next contract for a long term deal. However, the team doesn't seem keen on locking him in for 8 years, and uncomfortable paying him that much.

According to insider Elliotte Friedman in today's edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, the Oilers are targeting a 4 year contract for Bouchard coming in at a salary of only $9.5M.

It's a positive at least that the Oilers will be keeping their pending RFA defenceman, and seem to be prioritizing a contract before the threat of an offer sheet.

However, only signing Bouchard to 4 years instead of 8 may just end up costing the Oilers more in the long run. If he's willing to re-sign now for $10M long term, that will be a much lower number than what he'll be worth after 4 more seasons.

Not only will Bouchard have more experience and be in the prime of his career by the end of 4 years, he'd be set to hit unrestricted free agency at 29 years old - and could be offered a colossal deal from another team. Some fans hate the idea of not buying more of Bouchard's UFA years.

The 25 year old defenceman may have more glaring turnovers than fans like, but he's also one of the most gifted blue line passers in the NHL and a perfect fit for the Oilers superstar forwards. Maybe even, some of those turnovers would look different with a better goalie behind them.

Bouchard is a superstar level player in the NHL, and the Oilers should pony up the extra million dollars to buy another 4 years if possible. The cap is going up, Bouchard's value is going up, and the Oilers should buy now.