The St. Louis Blues made a splash in the NHL Draft by signing defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway to two-year contracts after the Edmonton Oilers declined to match the offer sheets for the restricted free agents. Broberg agreed to a deal worth $9.16 million, while Holloway signed for $4.58 million. In exchange for acquiring the two young talents, the Blues sent second- and third-round picks to the Oilers.
The Oilers’ decision not to retain Broberg and Holloway came as a surprise to many, especially considering the team had recently cleared salary cap space by trading veteran defenseman Cody Ceci to the San Jose Sharks for Ty Emberson. However, with the team still facing cap constraints, they ultimately chose not to match the offer sheets presented by the Blues. This move by the Oilers highlighted the growing rarity of offer sheets in the NHL, as teams often opt to retain their restricted free agents through other means.
The signing of Broberg and Holloway marked a bold move by St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong, who saw an opportunity to bolster his team’s roster with two promising young players. Offer sheets have been a seldom-used tactic in the NHL in recent years, with the last instance being Jesperi Kotkaniemi signing with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021. Prior to that, the last offer sheet not matched was Dustin Penner in 2007, making the acquisition of Broberg and Holloway a notable event in the league.
Broberg, 23, emerged as one of the Oilers’ standout players during their run to the Stanley Cup Final, particularly shining in the later stages of the playoffs. His strong performance on the ice made him a valuable asset for Edmonton, making the decision not to match the offer sheet a risky one for the team. Meanwhile, Holloway, 22, showcased his scoring prowess by netting five goals in the postseason, further solidifying his potential as a key contributor. The Blues’ acquisition of these two players adds depth and talent to their lineup, positioning them well for the upcoming season.
The gamble taken by Oilers’ new GM Stan Bowman in letting go of Broberg and Holloway reflects the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster under his leadership. Bowman, who returned to the league after a suspension related to his handling of sexual assault allegations during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, faces the challenge of guiding the Oilers to success in the highly competitive NHL landscape. The decision to prioritize cap flexibility and future prospects over retaining young talent demonstrates the team’s long-term strategy and vision moving forward.
Overall, the acquisition of Broberg and Holloway by the St. Louis Blues marks a significant development in the NHL Draft landscape. The team’s proactive approach in securing two promising players through offer sheets showcases their commitment to building a competitive roster and remaining competitive in the league. As the upcoming season approaches, the impact of these signings on both the Blues and the Oilers will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.