The Edmonton Oilers on Monday signed veteran defenseman Evan Bouchard, 25, to a four-year contract, according to multiple reports, avoiding free agency with one of their most valued blueliners who helped the club to back-to-back Western Conference titles.

Evan Bouchard, a key defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers, has signed a four-year, $42 million contract, securing his place with the team until 2029. This deal, confirmed on July 1, 2025, prevents Bouchard from entering restricted free agency.

It’d be easy to look at Evan Bouchard’s new contract with a gaping mouth. It’d be simpler still, now that he’s set to become the NHL’s fourth-highest-paid defenseman, to fret about what that means for the Edmonton Oilers’ chances of competing for the Stanley Cup not only next season but for years to come.