Oilers could put one of Connor Brown, Warren Foegele or Dylan Holloway into the top-6 spot vacated by Kailer Yamamoto. The Edmonton Oilers [https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers]' biggest offseason objective remaining is re-signing rising star defenseman Evan Bouchard [https://puckpedia.com/player/evan-bouchard]. The 23-year-old is currently a restricted free agent (RFA), but it appears that things could change on that front soon. Related: Oilers Should Seriously Consider Signing Jonathan Toews [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-should-seriously-consider-signing-jonathan-toews] In a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast [https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/thats-a-wrap-2/], prominent NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that he heard Bouchard's next contract could be a two-year deal with a cap hit between $3.5 million and $4 million. This is not set in stone until a contract is announced, of course, but when an insider like Friedman reports something like this, it needs to be paid attention to. Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4Nzk3OTAzMTYwOTQzOTc5/usatsi_19576250_168401874_lowres.jpg] Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard Although the Oilers would likely love to lock up Bouchard [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/analysis/oilers-bouchard-is-worth-at-least-6-million-a-year] on a long-term deal, their current cap situation makes that quite challenging. As a result, hearing that a bridge contract is likely on the way is not surprising in the slightest. Related: Oilers' 2023 Off-Season Guide [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-2023-off-season-guide] Bouchard is coming off of a strong 2022-23 regular season that saw him post eight goals and 40 points. Yet, he truly shined during the postseason [https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/blog-bouchard-breaking-through-in-second-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-343857320], as he recorded four goals and 17 points in 12 games. His 17 points also led all NHL defensemen. Alas, we will need to keep an eye on Bouchard's next deal with the Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/5-oilers-storylines-to-follow-in-2023-off-season] to be announced. Related: Oilers Should Not Trade for This Goalie Who Wants Out [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-should-not-trade-for-this-goalie-who-wants-out] Related: Oilers: Forwards to Target After Missing Out on Nieto [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-forwards-to-target-after-missing-out-on-nieto]
