THE DONE DEAL REPORT: Edmonton Oilers and No. 1 defenceman have agreed to a contract: four years with a $10.5 million cap hit. Oil Country is getting the 25-year-old on an affordable salary through the 2028–29 campaign. However, his deal will expire while he’s still theoretically in his prime, so the downside here is the term.

The Edmonton Oilers have locked up their No. 1 defenceman with a four-year contract carrying a \$10.5 million annual cap hit. The deal keeps the 25-year-old under team control through the 2028–29 season at a relatively manageable cost. However, the short term means the contract will expire while he’s still in his prime, which could be a drawback for the team.

Bouchard brings a booming shot and elite puck-moving skills, though critics often point to his defensive miscues. Still, the numbers are telling: over the last two seasons, the Oilers have controlled 57.29% of goals at 5-on-5 with him on the ice (165 for, 123 against; +42 differential). When he’s off the ice, that number drops to 49.27% (196 for, 201 against; -5). Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl show similar performance dips without him.

Since stepping into a true top-pairing role in 2023–24, Bouchard has helped lead Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. His 1.08 points per game in the playoffs ranks second all-time among defencemen with at least 20 games—trailing only Bobby Orr (1.24). During the Oilers’ last two playoff runs, their goal share with Bouchard on the ice sits at an impressive 61.96%, compared to just 44.86% when he’s not.

Despite clearing Evander Kane’s full \$5.125 million cap hit earlier in the offseason, the Oilers are still tight against the salary cap. Per PuckPedia, they have under \$600,000 in space with 22 of 23 roster spots filled. GM Stan Bowman still has some financial juggling ahead.