Bouchard, 23, became a restricted free agent on July 1st and there was some rumours that he could have been the target of an offer sheet, which ultimately didn't happen.
Given he's a big piece of the Oilers future on the blue line, the organization would have liked to get him signed long-term, but had to settle for a bridge contract, for now. From Bouchard's perspective, only signing a two-year contract will allow him to cash in big time in 2025, when the salary cap is expected to be significantly higher than this coming season.
The Oakville, Ontario native appeared in 82 games during the 2022-23 campaign, putting up 40 points (eight goals, 32 assists), 28 penalty minutes and was a plus-six. Bouchard went on to add 17 points in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
