Quoting: CD282
I didn't say or even imply Bouchard had arbitration rights, not sure why you felt the need to point that out.
An RFA player without arbitration rights doesn't really have any other options (maybe europe?) He's not negotiating a multi year deal unless Holland wants to, and with the cap expected to rise by 5% and with Neal's money coming off the books, Holland can wait.
Quoting: CD282
You aren't getting an equivalent player who will accept less money though, so trading Bouchard is a non-starter. It's guaranteed to make the team worse now and in the future.
And Bouchard is much more than just a PP quarterback.
Bouchard's not even to 200 games, I don't know what he is. I can say that he had 5 goals and 25 points last season 5 on 5, and has had a positive zone start push since day one. He's getting better defensively, but he's not taking on the hard minutes, so for now, looks like a second pairing defender that plays on the PP.
Bouchard is in a difficult spot when it comes to cap hit. If you can buy 3 UFA years at $5.75m, I'd have no concerns, but he's not going to sign a longer term deal. Buying one UFA year or none? Why does Holland do that?
If Edmonton wants a one year deal (and I think that they will) its in Bouchard's interest to sign it, and go to arbitration next year (I believe he will be arb eligible then.) I think he gets a one year deal closer to $3.5m, and Edmonton looks to go longer term on the next deal.
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