(Edmonton) The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Evan Bouchard to a two-year, $3.9 million average annual contract.
Bouchard, 23, was a restricted free agent.
The Ontarian had eight goals and 32 assists in 82 games with the Oilers last winter. He added four goals and 13 assists in 12 playoff games. His 17 points remained a high among defensemen in the spring tournament even though the Oilers were eliminated in the second round.
Bouchard’s offensive output increased significantly when he inherited the quarterback role on the first power-play unit, following the departure of Tyson Barrie at the trade deadline.
The Oilers selected Bouchard 10th overall in the 2018 draft. He has since had 23 goals and 66 assists in 184 NHL games.
