The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed Evan Bouchard to a new four-year contract. Now we grade the deal for both the player and the franchise.

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.

Elliotte Friedman Senses 'Confidence' in Evan Bouchard's Next Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard appears headed for a massive new contract with the franchise, whether or not he gets to the open market on July 1 or signs an extension before the start of free agency.