In today’s NHL rumours rundown, the Edmonton Oilers and Evan Bouchard could look at a one-year deal to try to get a contract locked in for next season. Elsewhere, Mitch Marner could look to sign a short deal to try and maximise his earnings as the salary cap continues to rise. Finally, Alex Tuch and the Buffalo Sabres have not begun negotiations, but the expectation is that he will stick with them.
Possibility of a 1-Year Deal for Bouchard
As the Oilers look to find a solution to ink Bouchard to a new contract, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston speculated that the two sides could look at a one-year deal to punt the big negotiation to next summer.
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On the latest episode of The Chris Johnston Show, he suggested that, whether it be via arbitration or simply agreeing on a price for a one-year deal, it could be an option.
The Oilers need to figure out what their cap situation looks like with Connor McDavid eligible for an extension as of July 1, and that could have an impact on what they are able to pay Bouchard. He is a valuable asset to the team, and based on reports and his production, a deal worth north of $10 million per season will certainly be on the table.
There have been some defensive struggles in his game, but he has been the number-one defenseman on the back-to-back Stanley Cup runner-up and has certainly proven that he can elevate his game in the playoffs.
Marner Could Look for Short Deal Worth $12-13 Million Per Season
When writing about rumours regarding free agency, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun touched on the Marner situation, and suggested that there is rumours circling that Marner could look to sign a two-year deal in the $12-13 million range. (from NHL rumblings: Who was in on Toews, plus latest on Marner, McDavid, Tavares, Robertson and more, The Athletic, June 21, 2025)
Marner has been connected to the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings, and LeBrun mentions those two teams, as well as the Dallas Stars, as the top candidates.
Players taking a shorter deal is becoming more common with the salary cap increases coming. Players signing short-term deals will allow…
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