Evan Bouchard is about to get paid the only question is how much. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why the 24-year-old defenseman is critical to Edmonton’s Stanley Cup window, where he ranks among the league’s elite, and how much his next deal could cost.

Should the Oilers go long term? Could Bouchard take a short bridge deal and test free agency? What does this mean for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's future? All that and more on today’s episode.

0:00 Intro: Evan Bouchard's importance to Oilers

4:40 Bouchard's impact on Oilers' contender status

14:58 Bouchard's ranking among elite defensemen

19:33 Potential contract scenarios for Bouchard

24:39 Future salary projections for star defensemen

28:43 Outro: Upcoming discussion on Oilers' finances

Evan Bouchard’s $10M+ Extension? Why the Edmonton Oilers Must Pay to Keep Their Elite Defenseman
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