This afternoon, a new report from NHL insider Chris Johnston has confirmed that there is still a major gap in negotiations between Evan Bouchard and the Edmonton Oilers. The Edmonton Oilers have been <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/new-report-provides-a-key-update-on-extension-talks-with-three-edmonton-oilers-forwards' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>working hard to lock up their core pieces</a> on long-term extensions after losing in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Oilers have reportedly been in extension talks with Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard trying to get both players to commit to a long-term deal. At the moment, Bouchard's deal has taken priority as he will be a restricted free agent on July 1st. With negotiations well underway NHL sources have indicated that there is a significant gap between Bouchard's asking price and the Edmonton Oilers offer. <h3>Edmonton Oilers Risk Losing Evan Bouchard As Contract Negotiations Continue</h3> In a new episode of his show, insider Chris Johnston spoke about the Bouchard situation. Early this morning, the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast indicated that Evan Bouchard is looking for a long term lucrative deal. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/2muttshockeypod/status/1936777906736513057'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Following this report, Johnston's sources have indicated that Bouchard would prefer to sign a short-term deal for one season to allow time for further long-term discussions next season. Johnston also mentions that the two sides could look to go to arbitration and handle things that way as well. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLRumourReport/status/1936588480152232035'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Regardless of which report is most accurate at the moment, it is clear that Evan Bouchard's future in Edmonton still remains incredibly uncertain. If the Oilers and Bouchard cannot come to an agreement, the team could once again open themselves up to the possibility of an offer sheet just like last season when Edmonton lost both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Even if the team elects to go to arbitration with Bouchard other teams would still have until the set arbitration date to offer Bouchard a contract in free agency. As these negotiations continue we will keep you up to date on all of the latest twists and turns.