The Edmonton Oilers forward will have his arbitration hearing in August.

One of the biggest dominoes that needs to fall for the Edmonton Oilers off-season is the new contracts for Evan Bouchard & Ryan McLeod. Both are restricted free agents and both are looking for a raise on their previous deals.

For Bouchard, the last rumored estimate was a two-year bridge deal in the $3.5-$4-million range. For a defender who could tally 50-60 points this year while manning the Oilers power play, that's a great bargain. 

Bouchard does not have arbitration rights, but McLeod does. The NHLPA released all of the arbitration hearing dates earlier today. The last day for hearings will be on August 4th, with McLeod being one of four players expected to have hearings that day. 

McLeod is coming off of a one-year $798,000 contract. In the 2022-23 season he gathered 23 points in 53 games. McLeod could command a $1.5-$2-million cap hit on his next deal. He's expected to skate as the team's third line center for the upcoming season.