By Jeremy Rutherford and Daniel Nugent-Bowman
The Edmonton Oilers opted not to match the offer sheets extended by the St. Louis Blues to defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway on Tuesday, resulting in both players departing the organization.
As a result, Broberg, 23, and Holloway, 22, have signed with the Blues. The Oilers will receive a second-round pick as compensation for Broberg and a third-round pick for Holloway.
This unexpected development follows the Oilers’ recent trade of expensive veteran defenseman Cody Ceci to San Jose, as well as their acquisition of winger Vasily Podkolzin from Vancouver on Sunday. Ceci’s exit seemed to open up both a roster spot and cap space for Broberg, while Podkolzin’s acquisition could have served as a lower-line alternative to Holloway, with potential for a more prominent role in the future.
In losing Broberg and Holloway, the Oilers have parted ways with two of their most promising young talents — each of whom could have played significant roles this coming season.
Broberg was expected to secure a key position on the team. Hockey operations CEO Jeff Jackson indicated that Broberg remained an option for the right side, despite the Oilers’ July 1 shopping spree that brought in several right-handed defensemen, including Josh Brown, Troy Stecher, and Connor Carrick. However, none of these additions are regarded as bona fide top-four defensemen.
Now absent is the 23-year-old defenseman who began demonstrating his potential during the Stanley Cup Final, five years after being drafted eighth overall in 2019. By the end of the playoffs, Broberg had established himself as a right-side defenseman paired with Darnell Nurse, effectively replacing Ceci in a spot he had occupied for nearly all of 2022.
The Oilers not only face the challenge of quickly finding a suitable replacement for Broberg, but they may also need to bolster the right side of their blue line further.
Parting with Holloway stings as well; he was a player who often filled a second-line role throughout the team’s playoff journey. While he posted only five goals and seven points in 25 games, raw statistics do not capture the full picture. This performance came without any special teams opportunities. At just 22 years old and after a career marked by injuries, Holloway appeared more than ever like a player who belonged in the NHL.
The signing of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson to one- and two-year contracts on July 1 pushed Holloway further down the depth chart, ultimately leading to his exit. The Oilers now bid farewell to a 22-year-old forward with a modest cap hit of $2,290,457.
Had the Oilers re-signed Corey Perry to a one-year contract with a raise, it might have improved their chances of retaining Holloway.
Following a week of uncertainty, both the Oilers and Blues can now plan their 2024-25 rosters, knowing that Broberg and Holloway will be playing in St. Louis when training camp begins in less than a month.
Last Tuesday, the Blues surprised the NHL by issuing offer sheets for two players from the same team on the same day—an extremely rare occurrence in the league, with only ten such instances occurring since 2006, and two on the same day being unprecedented.
Broberg signed a two-year contract with an AAV of $4,580,917, and Holloway secured a two-year deal with an AAV of $2,290,457, both set to earn these salaries while playing for the Blues this season.
The offer sheets threw Edmonton’s roster into disarray and generated frustration among fans regarding the front office, which included former general manager Ken Holland. The team had a week to respond, leading to considerable discussion about how they found themselves in this predicament and whether they should match the offers. At that point, many were speculating about the Oilers’ future without Broberg and Holloway, while in St. Louis, the focus was on how the new additions would fit into their roster.
Now, a rare situation in the NHL has reached a conclusion. With the Blues successfully acquiring two players through offer sheets, this tactic might emerge as a more frequent strategy in a league that has seen only two players change teams in such a manner since 2005.
How this decision impacts the Oilers
With Broberg and Holloway now part of the Blues, the Oilers currently have $945,833 in available cap space, not accounting for Evander Kane, who could be …
ticketed for (long-term injured reserve) LTIR to kick off the season.
If this materializes, the Oilers may need to execute at least one additional move prior to finalizing their opening roster in order to optimize their LTIR pool. They possess second- and third-round picks from the Blues that can serve as trade assets. Another possibility involves including entry-level winger Matt Savoie on their initial roster, thereby enhancing their LTIR performance bonus pool. Alternatively, they might simply place Kane on IR to accumulate cap space.
However, a more critical aspect to examine is the current condition of the Oilers’ right-side defense in the absence of Broberg. It appears far from championship-caliber.
Offensively, the departure of Holloway to the Blues is a setback, but the Oilers have managed to strengthen their top six by adding more established offensive wingers like Skinner and Arvidsson. Additionally, they appear to have found a potential heir to Holloway in Podkolzin, a promising winger in his early twenties.
Should Kane remain on the active roster for any period during the regular season, the Oilers could face significant cap and roster complications. Nonetheless, the trades of Broberg and Holloway to the Blues provide some much-needed flexibility.
This flexibility is particularly relevant for Broberg, whose elevated contract — on a short, two-year deal — could have posed substantial challenges for next season’s cap management. Top-pairing defenseman Evan Bouchard currently earns less than Broberg at $3.9 million, and he is due for a substantial contract soon.
The Oilers are also in negotiations to extend Leon Draisaitl, which is anticipated to take effect next fall. At the same time, Broberg could qualify as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights — utilizing his new salary as a negotiating foundation — coinciding with the expiration of Connor McDavid’s contract. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman, Oilers staff writer
GO DEEPER
Lowetide: Which Oilers have the most to gain from the Broberg, Holloway offer sheets?
How it impacts the Blues
This is a favorable outcome for the Blues, although it comes at a cost. They are bringing in Broberg, a defenseman capable of playing in their second pair, and Holloway, a forward who can fill a position on the third line.
With Broberg’s addition, their defensive lineup now includes ten players on one-way contracts, including Torey Krug, who will be assessed during training camp for pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle. This situation could lead to a trade for the team.
Here’s a preview of what the pairings may look like during camp with Broberg:
Extras: Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Tyler Tucker, Torey Krug (injured)
The addition of Holloway increases their forwards on one-way contracts to 14, excluding Jake Neighbours, who is on a two-way deal.
Here’s a preview of what the offensive lines may resemble with Holloway:
Extras: Kasperi Kapanen, Nathan Walker
Both Broberg and Holloway possess strong skating abilities; Broberg has drawn parallels to former Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, and Holloway is noted for his exceptional speed. Their youth suggests that they could be integral components of the team’s core for years to come.
As the Oilers chose not to match the contract offers made by the Blues, general manager Doug Armstrong will be boosting his team’s salary cap by $6,871,374 ($4,580,917 AAV for Broberg and $2,290,457 for Holloway) over the next two seasons.
While some may perceive these salaries as excessive for both players, the Blues are acquiring two first-round picks (Broberg was selected No. 8 in 2019 and Holloway was picked No. 14 in 2020) in exchange for lower-round draft choices.
picks, and acquiring players like them from teams is challenging through any other means. — Jeremy Rutherford, Blues senior writer
GO DEEPER
As the Oilers’ deadline approaches, let’s explore where Broberg and Holloway might fit into the Blues’ roster
Essential reading
(Photo: Jonathan Kozub / NHLI via Getty Images)
Edmonton Oilers Allow Broberg and Holloway to Join Blues After Offer Sheet Surprises
Overview of the Situation
In a surprising turn of events, the Edmonton Oilers have permitted young prospects Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to join the St. Louis Blues after the latter extended an offer sheet. This decision has sent ripples through the NHL community and has implications for both teams moving forward. This article delves into the reasons behind this unexpected move, its implications for the Oilers and Blues, and the potential future for the players involved.
Understanding Offer Sheets in the NHL
Offer sheets are a key aspect of the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, allowing teams to sign restricted free agents from other teams. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Definition: An offer sheet is a contract proposal made by one NHL team to a restricted free agent of another team, which the latter can match or decline.
- Compensation: If the original team declines to match the offer, they receive draft pick compensation based on the value of the contract.
- Strategic Use: Teams often use offer sheets as a strategic tool to acquire talent while threatening the original team’s roster stability.
The Impact on the Edmonton Oilers
Allowing Broberg and Holloway to join the Blues marks a significant shift for the Oilers. Here are key aspects of this decision:
Roster Development
- Young Talent: Both Broberg and Holloway are regarded as highly promising players. Their departure could leave a gap in the Oilers’ future plans.
- Depth Chart Changes: With their absence, the Oilers must reevaluate their depth chart and potentially look for alternatives through trades or free agency.
Salary Cap Considerations
One possible reason for the Oilers’ decision could be salary cap flexibility. By allowing these players to leave, the team may be looking to free up space for other, more impactful signings.
Analyzing the St. Louis Blues’ Strategy
The St. Louis Blues’ pursuit of Broberg and Holloway can be seen as a strategic move aimed at enhancing their roster. Here’s why this decision matters:
Bolstering the Roster
- Addressing Needs: The Blues have identified specific areas where they need improvement, and acquiring young talent can address these gaps.
- Future Building: With Broberg and Holloway, the Blues are investing in their future, signaling a shift toward rebuilding or retooling their roster.
Financial Implications
By pulling off this offer sheet, the Blues can potentially negotiate contracts that align more favorably with their salary cap situation, avoiding hefty commitments to veteran players.
Player Profiles: Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway
Understanding the backgrounds of Broberg and Holloway can provide insight into their potential impact on the Blues:
| Player | Position | Height | Weight | Draft Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Broberg | Defenseman | 6’3″ | 200 lbs | 2019 |
| Dylan Holloway | Forward | 6’0″ | 203 lbs | 2020 |
Benefits of the Move
Both teams stand to benefit from this surprising development. Here are some potential advantages:
For the Edmonton Oilers
- Flexibility: The Oilers gain valuable salary cap space to pursue other players or retain current stars.
- Focus on Established Talent: The Oilers can concentrate on veteran players who can provide immediate impact.
For the St. Louis Blues
- Increased Skill Level: Adding Broberg and Holloway enhances the overall skill level of the team, making them more competitive.
- Youthful Energy: The infusion of young talent can revitalize the locker room and bring a new dynamic to team chemistry.
Case Studies: Similar Situations in the NHL
Looking at past instances of offer sheets can provide context to this situation:
Shea Weber to Philadelphia Flyers
In 2012, the Philadelphia Flyers signed Shea Weber to a massive offer sheet. The Nashville Predators chose to match, but the situation highlighted the strategic risks and rewards of pursuing top-tier restricted free agents.
David Pastrnak’s Contract
Boston Bruins faced a pivotal moment in the negotiation of David Pastrnak’s contract. The team managed to lock him in long-term, showcasing how critical negotiations can shape a franchise’s future.
First-Hand Experience: Player Perspectives
While we may not have the direct quotes from Broberg and Holloway regarding their transition, the journey of young players often reflects excitement mixed with apprehension. Here’s a general sentiment that young players experience:
- Excitement: The opportunity to play for a new team and build a career.
- Pressure: The expectations to perform at a high level immediately, especially when acquired through an offer sheet.
Practical Tips for Fans and Analysts
As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike can benefit from a few practical tips:
- Stay Informed: Follow trusted sports news sources for real-time updates on player movements and team strategies.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions and share thoughts on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, as the hockey community often has insights that mainstream media might overlook.
- Analyze Stats: Review player statistics and historical performance to predict how these changes might affect team dynamics.
Conclusion
The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to allow Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to join the St. Louis Blues represents a pivotal moment in the NHL landscape. As teams continue to navigate the intricacies of player contracts and roster management, the effects of this decision will unfold in the coming seasons, shaping the futures of both franchises.
