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.

Evan Bouchard has gotten his payday with the Edmonton Oilers in the form of a four-year extension worth over $10 million per season.

The Edmonton Oilers made a last minute move to keep one of their best players around. Top defenseman and pending restricted free agent Evan Bouchard was hours away from being an option for opposing organizations to offer sheet.