What's the hold up with Bouch?

They were waiting to see what the McLeod deal would look like. McLeod opted for arbitration, so his deal took priority.

Send Nemo down and offer Bouchard a deal he'll actually sign - something along the lines of Byram and Miller.

Too young for arbitration. He's worth at least $3.8M, comparable to Byram & KA Miller, but that obviously doesn't fit into the EDM cap. So EDM probably has a couple lowball offers tabled. EB's agent should be seeing if another team can offersheet (PIT).

Edmonton can go to about $4.1M without a problem.

https://www.capfriendly.com/forums/thread/750699

Current intel says the two sides are about $100k apart in negotiations. I'd say a deal is imminent (this week).

Technically, they could do almost $5M. Assuming no injuries all season...

They aren't going to make that assumption though. Holland has said so publicly.

Not icing a 23 man roster is bad roster mgmt. EB is the main PP guy with Barrie gone, giving him leverage. I think he gets at least $3.8M and Holland trades Kulak.

Once again, they can sign Bouchard for up to $4.1M without trading anyone. I'm not sure why this is so hard.

They won't send nemo down and shouldn't. They should run with 12 forwards and 8 Defense. They don't have many D prospects and even less that are NHL capable. Nemo isn't waiver exempt anymore. The solution to a Bouchard signing is a bonus so that it rolls over to next year, but this site doesn't let me do that.

They had a 21 man roster last year. They are not afraid to play 11-7 which would mean they have one spare forward and one spare D. They also have decent forward depth on the farm for replacement level players.

I don't think such a contract is legal, which is why this site won't allow it. A player has to be 35+ or else have missed the past season due to injury in order to get a contract like that.

I don't see Nemo making the team, and I don't see him getting picked up on waivers. I think they'll run a 21 man roster - they'll have to, since Bouchard won't sign a $3.2M x 2 offer.

As a Jets/hockey fan, you guys need to realize Bouchard is the makings of a very good one...

I'm sure there will need to be a current roster trade or two to pay his bridge deal (4-5 M) which he deserves. You need to keep him happy "now" to retain him going into future years. Good luck he is going to be your best D-man, sooner than later...

They can pay him up to about $4.1M right now with no further trades. You'll see that contract shortly.

I hear you, but a roster size of 21night after night can have its drawbacks or wear down.

I know the Oilers have high end players who can play the minutes, but when you say 4.1M as a limit you are talking a reduced roster. Your GM has been around, I'm sure there will be plan to have a roster near full and work it out. Creative accounting could play a role.

Yeah, they started with a 21 man roster last year, so it can work.

Correction: Bouchard's agent, Dave Gagner, is currently at the Hlinka tournament so the contract will get done next week when he's back in the office. They've agreed on term and are very close on the money side (about $100k apart) so it won't take long to sew this one up.

Thanks for the update... Good luck to you guys