The St. Louis Blues surprised the hockey world by using offer sheets to try and snag two restricted free agents from the Edmonton Oilers. Defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway are the targets of the Blues’ bold move. The Oilers, who are already struggling with salary cap constraints, now have a tough decision to make within the next seven days.
Broberg was offered a two-year contract worth $4.58 million annually, while Holloway’s offer is for $2.29 million per year. The Oilers had prioritized getting new deals done for both players, but the offer sheets from the Blues have thrown a wrench into their plans. The Oilers will need to figure out their financial situation quickly in order to match the offers.
This comes on the heels of the Oilers making some moves in free agency, adding forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, as well as defenseman Josh Brown. They also re-signed several players to new contracts. However, with the team already over $350,000 above the salary cap, matching the offer sheets for Broberg and Holloway will require some creative maneuvering.
If the Oilers choose not to match the offers, they will receive draft picks as compensation. Broberg would net them a second-round pick, while Holloway would bring in a third-rounder. The Blues had to make a deal with the Penguins to acquire the necessary picks, showing their commitment to securing these young talents.
Broberg and Holloway are part of a new generation of players coming up through the Oilers’ system, following in the footsteps of stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Both players saw playing time in the NHL and AHL last season, with hopes of taking on bigger roles in the upcoming season.
The offer sheets from the Blues have added a new layer of intrigue to the NHL offseason, as the Oilers scramble to make a decision that could have long-lasting implications for their team. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to match the offers and retain these promising young players or if they will have to let them go and accept draft picks in return. The next week will be crucial for both the Oilers and the Blues as they wait to see how this situation unfolds.