The Edmonton Oilers and Evan Bouchard came to an agreement on a massive four-year contract extension that will keep the standout defenseman with the organization through the 2028–29 season. According to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects,

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed Evan Bouchard, locking up one of the league's most versatile defensemen for four years, multiple reports said Monday. TSN reported the contact extension is valued at $42 million.

It’d be easy to look at Evan Bouchard’s new contract with a gaping mouth. It’d be simpler still, now that he’s set to become the NHL’s fourth-highest-paid defenseman, to fret about what that means for the Edmonton Oilers’ chances of competing for the Stanley Cup not only next season but for years to come.