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.

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.

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.