So unless the Oilers get to work moving out money, a bridge deal could be the more likely solution. That, per Evolving-Hockey, could put him in the $3-4 million range, instead.
With $3.5 million in cap space at the moment, the Oilers could certainly sign him without having to blow up their roster to do so.
While this is exciting, this is not even the best part.
Bouchard's Projected Market Value
According to The Athletics advanced analytics model, Bouchard carries an insane amount of value.
His market value — a number an RFA typically doesn't come near — is $10.2 million a year, on average, over the next six years. A more realistic number, based on other RFA defensemen signings of his caliber, is probably in the $8 million range.
While it is unlikely that Bouchard will receive over $10 million a year, it is quite nice to see that the Oilers will be getting a $10 million caliber player likely for a fraction of that.
The bridge deal also sets Bouchard up for a long-term deal after so we are likely seeing Evan Bouchard in Edmonton for a long time. If his performance in the 2023 playoffs is indicative of anything to come, we could be watching the Oilers with a point-per-game defenseman real soon.
