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Frank Seravalli Reveals Unexpected New Twist in Evan Bouchard's Contract Negotiations

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 29, 2025 5:32 PM ET

There's been an unexpected new twist in the Evan Bouchard-Oilers contract negotiations, as Frank Seravalli revealed his number has gone up.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard will become an unrestricted free agent when his two-year, $7.8 million deal expires July 1.

Bouchard will earn approximately $10 million per annum on his new contract, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli of 'Daily Faceoff Live'.

'It's hot (Yes/gonna happen),' Seravalli said on Tuesday. 'I have to think with yet another repeat playoff performance. Third consecutive postseason of at least 17 points. He is 75 points now, in 67 career postseason games. Which is an incredible pace. That's a 93 points pace over an 82-game regular season.'

The Oilers were initially looking to sign Bouchard to approximately $8.5 million annually. His recent goal-scoring spurt, however, may have put him out of the Oilers' budget.

This potential payday follows up on another sensational playoff outing. Bouchard has registered 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 15 playoff games this season. He also registered a solid regular season with 67 points (14 goals, 53 assists) in 82 games.

Bouchard has evolved to become one of the highest-scoring defensemen in the league. Having reached 40 points in 2022-23, he doubled that figure in 2023-24 with 82 points.

Bouchard is clutch when it matters most, scoring over a point-per-game in the playoffs

His playoff career is impressive in particular, recording 75 playoff points in 68 playoff games, a point-per-game average matched only by Hall of Famer Rob Blake, who took double the number of games to score the same numbers.

Bouchard is an Edmonton cornerstone, logging top-pair minutes and operating the league-leading power play. His goal production and steady presence are the cornerstones of the team's back end.

There is no chance the team lets him walk, and if they do, it will be a mistake that will haunt them for the next decade.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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