With training camps on the horizon, the Edmonton Oilers have taken care of some important late-August business. 

The Oilers locked in one of their key young players on Thursday, agreeing to terms on a two-year contract extension with defenseman Evan Bouchard worth an average annual value of $3.9 million. 

The deal ties Bouchard to Edmonton through the 2024-25 season and ensures he retains his RFA status upon expiry. 

With the Oilers set to contend for the Stanley Cup this year, getting Bouchard to sign any length of extension is a good thing. But, make no mistake, this is a short-term solution to what could be a very pricey problem in two years' time. 

Bouchard's eight goals and 32 assists for 40 points in 82 games last season really don't tell the full story of his 2022-23 campaign. Stuck behind Tyson Barrie on the depth chart for most of the season, Bouchard's ability to use his offensive gifts was somewhat limited, with Barrie taking first-team reps on the club's top power-play unit. It wasn't until Barrie was dealt to the Nashville Predators at the trade deadline that he was able to finally break out, assuming that quarterback role on the Oilers' power play and finishing the year with 19 points in 19 games, along with 17 points in 12 post-season games.

With a hefty dose of top-four ice time, Bouchard proved capable of being a point-per-game defenseman with keen puck-moving ability. And as a right-shot who is also at the ripe old age of 23, those qualities make him one of the rarest assets in the NHL, which should ensure that, if Bouchard produces to his potential over the next two seasons, his next average annual value could very well end up being in double-digits. 

The Oilers solidified their roster in the short term and are ready to contend for a Cup, but this could end up being a very interesting saga once this contract is over.