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Oilers fans can celebrate the return of star defenseman

There's still a lot of hope for a dynasty in Edmonton as the Oilers just inked a star defenseman to a new contract that will keep him in town for four years.
ByTodd Matthews|
Jun 12, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates scoring with center Leon Draisaitl (29) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) during the second period against the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Jun 12, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates scoring with center Leon Draisaitl (29) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) during the second period against the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Yes, Edmonton Oilers fans, you can now celebrate the return of a star defenseman. Blueliner Evan Bouchard will return on a four-year deal worth $10.5 million AAV, and he's a cornerstone who could one day help this team exorcise its recent Stanley Cup demons and return them to ultimate prominence.

Bouchard may be a blueliner, but he's got the productivity of a forward. Last season, he drove that point home, putting up 67 points and 14 goals in 82 games. Those numbers might be lower than the 82 points and 18 goals he had in 2023-24, but Bouchard's effective play was on full display throughout the regular and postseasons.

Evan Bouchard hasn't just been effective in the regular season

Check out Bouchard's postseason numbers, and you'll see what I mean. But in case you don't have time, I'll give you a rundown. In the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Bouchard averaged over a point per game, registering 32 of them and six goals in 25 matchups, helping the Oilers nearly upset the Florida Panthers in the Final.

This season ended with the same bitter taste, but Bouchard more than did his due diligence, peaking at the right time with seven goals and 23 points in 22 games. I mean, who the Oilers just brought back is Norris Trophy material, and he finished 11th for the award this season, following a year that saw him snagging fifth place.

Extending Bouchard for another four years also tells us that the Oilers aren't going anywhere unless some unforeseen trade occurs. But let me give you a spoiler alert: It's not gonna happen. Nope, Bouchard will be back in Edmonton, helping Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Company break through their Stanley Cup woes.

Now, it's time to celebrate, Oiler fans, as your team is setting the foundation to make yet another series of runs at the Stanley Cup.

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