Edmonton Oilers have an advantage in re-signing Evan Bouchard
Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard’s contract is set to be renewed at the end of this season, and the Oilers have some inside help to ensure things go according to plan.
Evan Bouchard will be an RFA during the offseason, and his contract extensions remains a hot topic in Oil Country.
While he may not be having the same type of success he did the year before, he still remains an integral part of the Oilers blue line.
With that being said, NHL insider Daniel Nugent-Bowman reports that that the Oilers may have the upper hand due to the close relation between Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson and Evan Bouchard’s agent, Dave Gagner.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman admits the Oilers have the upper hand
«He’s an RFA with arbitration rights in July and is eligible to hit the open market in 2027. Negotiations shouldn’t be problematic since the team’s CEO of hockey operations, Jeff Jackson, used to work hand in hand with Bouchard’s agent, Dave Gagner. But a contract isn’t done until it’s signed.»
-Daniel Nugent-Bowman
Recently, Jeff Jackson sat down with Bob Stauffer to discuss Evan Bouchard’s contract, reaffirming the Oilers organization is fully committed to getting a deal done.
»We gotta get something done with Bouch at some point. Obviously I have a long relationship with Dave Gagner, his agent at some point when it’s appropriate – you don’t just say this is the day we’re gonna negotiate, you’re just talking along. We’ve been talking to Dave. Same thing with Connor.»
– Jeff Jackson
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, It’s good to hear for Oilers fans that Jackson seems committed to a constant dialogue and retaining the young elite defenceman. Also interesting is Jackson highlighting his close relationship with Dave Gagner, the father of longtime Oiler Sam Gagner.
Evan Bouchard’s price-tag is reported to be around the $10-11 million dollar range, but hopefully Jackson’s longstanding friendship with Evan Bouchard’s agent plays a role in a potential bargain.
