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What the Klingberg Signing Means for an Evan Bouchard Extension

The Edmonton Oilers are signing John Klingberg to a UFA deal. Where does Klingberg slot in and does it mean anything for Evan Bouchard?

John Klingberg is joining the Edmonton Oilers, and on the surface, this move appears to be a smart, calculated risk by the team. The goal is to add a potential top-four defenseman who, if all goes well, could slot in on the second pair alongside Darnell Nurse. However, could Klingberg’s arrival create pressure for a player like Evan Bouchard?



While Bouchard has played well overall, he has experienced his share of up and down moments. Thursday’s game was a perfect example. He got walked on a goal by Nathan MacKinnon but also scored the game-winner on a bullet of a point shot. What the Oilers are trying to determine is Bouchard’s level of consistency and what that’s worth as a free agent. On the verge of a huge long-term extension, Edmonton wants to get it right.

Meanwhile, if Klingberg can recapture even a fraction of the form he displayed during his peak years with the Dallas Stars, it could raise questions about the Oilers’ current power-play quarterback.

Related: John Klingberg Signing with the Edmonton Oilers

Is Bouchard’s Spot on the Oilers at Risk?

This is not to suggest that Bouchard should be worried the Oilers will move on. However, a healthy and productive Klingberg could provide Edmonton with a backup plan, both this season and next. If Bouchard doesn’t find a consistent level where he’s solid on both ends of the ice, he now has someone on the team who could slot in and run the top-unit power play. Bouchard hasn’t had anyone threaten his spot there. Now he does.

Evan Bouchard John Klingberg Oilers
Evan Bouchard John Klingberg Oilers

Bouchard has been a key contributor to Edmonton’s traditionally dominant power play, but Klingberg’s offensive instincts and puck-moving abilities offer an alternative. Like a backup goalie challenging a starter, the addition could potentially spark competition between the two. Bouchard could arguably use that kick in the pants. Both players may respond positively to the internal competition.

What About Long-Term?

It’s far too early to know what Klingberg can do. But, if he’s solid, the Oilers may wind up with a little extra negotiating leverage if they know that Klingberg is capable and willing to sign for a fraction of the cost Bouchard might be. Speculation is that a long-term deal for Bouchard will run as much as $10 or $11 million per season. The Oilers, if they can help it, would prefer not to pay that much.

If Klingberg walks in and shows he’s capable of taking over with dynamic players and produces similar offensive results with the same opportunity, the Oilers can realistically argue that Bouchard is less of a necessity. Do the Oilers want to keep Bouchard? Of course. With Klingberg in their back pocket, would Bouchard have to think about how hard he pushes to get every last dollar out of the organization? Maybe.

A Possible Wake-Up Call for Bouchard

Until it’s clear that Klingberg can return to playing at an NHL level, this remains a moot point. However, the fact that the Oilers signed Klingberg in the first place should give Bouchard something to think about. At the very least, it might serve as a wake-up call that the team felt the need to bring in a defenseman who, in many ways, shares a nearly identical skill set.

For Bouchard, it’s a reminder that his role is not guaranteed and that competition within the roster can quickly change the dynamic.

Next: Replacing John Tavares’ Offense: A Challenge for the Maple Leafs

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