The buzz around the Edmonton Oilers hasn’t slowed since Evan Bouchard signed his four-year, $42 million extension. The deal immediately caught attention around the league, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Former NHL defenseman James Wisniewski did not hold back his opinion during a recent episode of the Empty Netters podcast. While praising Bouchard’s offensive skill, Wisniewski openly questioned whether the Oilers put too much trust—and salary cap space—into one player, especially when stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl already command massive salaries.
“If you want to win, that’s not the guy that you’re going to sign to go to the next level,” Wisniewski said bluntly about Bouchard’s contract.
Why did Wisniewski question the Oilers’ deal with Bouchard?
Wisniewski’s main concern lies in the team’s salary cap flexibility. He believes that spending $10.5 million annually on a defenseman whose primary value comes from the power play could hamper Edmonton’s ability to build a well-rounded roster capable of sustaining a deep playoff run.
Leon Draisaitl #29, Evan Bouchard #2 and Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers confer during the game against the Florida Panthers during Game Five of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 14, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
“I’m not dogging on him. I’m talking about the contract for the team. He’s an unbelievable player. I’m just talking about for the team, it’s not good. I’m just saying for the team for money to win, I don’t know if that’s the best,” Wisniewski added. According to him, the Oilers might have been better off signing a more affordable power-play specialist and pairing him with a shutdown defenseman.
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How does Bouchard’s new Oilers contract shape the team’s future?
At 24 years old, Bouchard has emerged as a key offensive weapon, especially on the man advantage, scoring 23 points in 22 playoff games during Edmonton’s Stanley Cup Final run. The new contract reflects the organization’s confidence in his continued special teams impact.
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Whether this hefty investment leads to championship glory or offseason scrutiny will hinge on how the Oilers manage their salary cap and the futures of franchise stars like McDavid and Draisaitl.
