A worrying update has emerged on Edmonton Oilers star defenseman Evan Bouchard. According to The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman, a report has emerged that the Oilers and Bouchard are unlikely to discuss contract extensions this summer. <q>I'm told it's unlikely the Oilers & Evan Bouchard (RFA: 2025 w/ arb rights; UFA: 2027) will discuss an extension this summer. EDM � More pressing things to address (GM, Draisaitl, McDavid). Bouchard � High likelihood of building off Norris 5th place & starring in the playoffs.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/DNBsports/status/1809218655219253636'> </a></blockquote></div> Bouchard is under contract for next season at $3.9 million and will be a restricted free agent at season's end. He was eligible to sign a new deal on July 1st, but that seems unlikely at this point, considering the fact that the Oilers have yet to appoint a new general manager. It is expected that Bouchard will demand a hefty raise, and it will be interesting to see if the Oilers will offer him a contract, and what the dollar amount will be. Leon Draisaitl (2025 UFA) and Connor McDavid (2026 UFA) will be owed big money, so it's safe to see whoever assumes the role as Oilers GM will have their work cut out for them, as signing McDavid, or McJesus as many call him, is a must for the fanbase, which could leave Bouchard as the odd man out. <q>«If McDavid doesn't play for the Oilers after this contract, he'll be the most hated man by that fan base for the rest of eternity.» Will McDavid ever leave Edmonton?</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/spittinchiclets/status/1724572616927715684'> </a></blockquote></div> The Oilers first priority is getting a GM. Once that happens, perhaps they can turn their attention to signing Bouchard long term, but that seems unlikely as of now. Credit theScore: <a href='https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2936016?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR24vxInhwUrrGYFgHddbabtG79AntzYE8Y8OpI8F8lRqneu9PqbtTKmjCM_aem_4MKKNftdl4AYiG05sN2_3g' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Report: Oilers, Bouchard unlikely to discuss extension this summer</a>