(For whatever it’s worth, Evolving Hockey’s great contract projection tool priced a one-year Bouchard deal at about $3.98 million.) While that contract would serve as a steal for the Oilers, it seems short-sighted. The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman recently noted two things about Bouchard that could raise the eyebrows (and pulses) of Oilers fans.įirst, Nugent-Bowman believed that Holland nudged at the possibility of a one-year deal that could carry around a $3-million price tag. Oilers’ biggest offseason needs in 2023 Don’t mess around: sign Bouchard Unless, of course, they mess things up with Bouchard. Even if you pencil in some entry-level/bargain-bin talent in a spot or two, it’s clear things are going to be tight for Edmonton.Īt least the bright side is quite bright: while there could be some belt-tightening this summer, the Oilers aren’t expected to lose any essential pieces from their hyped-up squad that caught fire down the stretch of 2022-23. The projected salary cap space estimate is with the Oilers covering 18 of 23 roster spots. The Athletic named the Oilers’ salary cap situation the worst in the NHL. Projected salary cap space: A misleading $5.07M. Notable RFAs: Evan Bouchard, 23 Klim Kostin, 24 (arbitration eligible) Ryan McLeod, 23 (arbitration eligible) Notable UFAs: Oscar Klefbom, 29 (may retire due to injuries) Nick Bjugstad, 30 Mattias Janmark, 30 Devin Shore, 28 Mike Smith, 41 (retirement also likely), Ryan Murray, 29. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) Oilers’ 2023 free-agent outlook and salary cap situation The Oilers lost to the Golden Knights in the second round of the playoffs.

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