It’d be easy to look at Evan Bouchard’s new contract with a gaping mouth. It’d be simpler still, now that he’s set to become the NHL’s fourth-highest-paid defenseman, to fret about what that means for the Edmonton Oilers’ chances of competing for the Stanley Cup not only next season but for years to come.

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed Evan Bouchard, locking up one of the league's most versatile defensemen for four years, multiple reports said Monday. TSN reported the contact extension is valued at $42 million.

The Edmonton Oilers on Monday signed veteran defenseman Evan Bouchard, 25, to a four-year contract extension, avoiding free agency with one of their most valued blueliners who helped the club to back-to-back Western Conference titles the past two seasons.