The Edmonton Oilers are facing tough questions after a disheartening 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Monday night, a defeat that has put a spotlight on both their on-ice performance and off-ice financial decisions. The loss, which saw the Oilers relinquish a 2-0 lead, has amplified concerns about the team's consistency and ability to close out games. Adding to the pressure is the looming shadow of Evan Bouchard's recent contract extension and its impact on the team's salary cap flexibility.
The Oilers started strong against the Blues, with Jack Roslovic scoring a power-play goal in the first period and Andrew Mangiapane extending the lead early in the second. However, the Blues responded with goals from Dalibor Dvorsky, his first in the NHL, and Robert Thomas to tie the game before the second intermission. Pius Suter then sealed the Blues' victory with just 1:23 remaining in regulation.
"It's tough," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. "Especially when we're up 2-0 and then end up losing and not getting any points."
The loss underscores a troubling trend for the Oilers, who have struggled with consistency this season. They’ve only managed to win back-to-back games twice in fourteen attempts. This inconsistency is further highlighted by their propensity to squander multi-goal leads; the Oilers are the only team in the league to have already blown three of them.
Adding another layer of complexity to the Oilers' situation is the contract of defenseman Evan Bouchard. In July, Bouchard signed a four-year, $42 million contract with an annual average value of $10.5 million. While Bouchard is a highly talented and productive defenseman, the size of his contract raises questions about the Oilers' long-term cap management.
General Manager Stan Bowman acknowledged the significance of signing Bouchard, stating that an eight-year term was not feasible due to the high asking price. The shorter-term deal allows Bouchard to potentially capitalize on future salary cap increases, but it also puts pressure on the Oilers to maximize their contention window during his contract.
Currently, the Oilers have a projected cap space of -$2,799,817. With key players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl already commanding significant cap hits, Bouchard's $10.5 million per year adds to the challenge of building a well-rounded roster. Some worry that Bouchard’s contract may hinder the team's ability to address other needs, such as goaltending and depth scoring.
Despite the financial constraints, the Oilers remain optimistic about their chances of winning a Stanley Cup. Bouchard himself expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating that they have the pieces to contend. However, the recent loss to the Blues serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face.
The Oilers must find a way to improve their consistency and defensive play while also managing their salary cap effectively. The pressure is on General Manager Stan Bowman to make strategic moves to bolster the roster without sacrificing long-term financial stability. As the season progresses, the Oilers' ability to navigate these challenges will determine whether they can live up to their championship aspirations.
The Oilers face the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.
