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Host: 'Would Not Surprise Me If Oilers Taking Calls on Bouchard'

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Jan 26, 2025 1:06 PM ET

According to Paul Almeida, a former radio host and noted Oilers X poster, “Would not surprise me one bit if the Oilers are taking calls on Bouchard.”

When asked if he was being serious or had inside information that Bouchard might be someone the Oilers consider trading, Almeida responded, “It’s incumbent on the GM to find out what’s out there for a player before you invest 8 years at big $ on him.” He added, “If he doesn’t do it then he’s not doing his job.”

Timing Of the Bouchard Comments Intriguing

There’s likely nothing to this post. At least not in terms of the Oilers having a trade they’re working on. But, the timing is interesting.

Bouchard had another rough outing and there was a blockbuster trade this week involving three teams, with potentially more moves to come. If the Colorado Avalanche can trade Mikko Rantanen, there’s no reason to think the Oilers can’t trade Bouchard. Almeida’s post might be drawing more attention because that huge deal went down and surprised a ton of hockey fans.

The fact the Oilers are also ready to insert John Klingberg into the lineup has people like Almeida wondering if Bouchard becomes expendable. A video surfaced of Klingberg defending Connor McDavid in practice, and Klingberg looked pretty good. Realistically, the Oilers might not need both Klingberg and Bouchard if Klingberg works out.

If the Oilers do trade Bouchard, they’ll be looking for a huge return and thinking about their future salary cap situation. Bouchard is likely going to make between $8-$10 million on a long-term deal and the Oilers might not be ready to invest that kind of money into someone if they haven’t first explored every alternative option.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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