Is Edmonton Oilers Defenceman Evan Bouchard Worth $10 Million Annually on His Next Contract?
As the Edmonton Oilers push through the 2025 NHL playoffs, the future of defenceman Evan Bouchard is becoming a hot topic of debate. With his current bridge deal set to expire, speculation is mounting over whether Bouchard is due for a contract in the $10 million range annually—a figure that would place him among the league’s elite blueliners. But is he worth that kind of investment?
Statistically, Bouchard is making a strong case. The 24-year-old has become one of the NHL’s premier offensive defencemen. He followed up a breakout 2023-24 campaign with another stellar season, regularly quarterbacking the league’s top power play and providing a dynamic transition game. In the 2024-25 regular season, Bouchard registered over 70 points, making him one of only a handful of defencemen to reach that mark.
Offensively, his value is undeniable. His puck-moving skills, vision, and calm under pressure have made him an indispensable part of Edmonton’s top pairing and a critical outlet for stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. On the power play, Bouchard’s ability to get shots through traffic and distribute the puck efficiently has helped Edmonton maintain its deadly man-advantage unit.
However, critics point to his defensive play as a potential limiting factor. While improved, Bouchard is still occasionally prone to lapses in his own zone. If he is to command $10 million annually—a salary typically reserved for players like Cale Makar or Adam Fox—he will need to round out his game further and maintain consistent performance against elite competition.
Comparables will play a major role in negotiations. The aforementioned Makar, a Norris Trophy winner, earns $9 million annually, while Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins is locked in at $9.5 million. If Bouchard continues producing at a high level in the playoffs and proves he can anchor a defensive corps deep into the postseason, his camp may justifiably argue that he deserves a similar deal.
From the Oilers’ perspective, the cap is expected to rise in the coming years, which could make a $10 million deal more manageable. But with other major contracts looming—especially a potential Draisaitl extension—Ken Holland or his successor will have to weigh the long-term flexibility against locking in a key piece of their core.
Ultimately, Bouchard’s play this postseason could be the deciding factor. If he continues to log major minutes, produce offensively, and hold his own defensively, $10 million annually may not be an overpay—it could be the market price for a future Norris contender.