3 reasons why Oilers will regret shipping out Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 20, 2024 16:11 GMT

This week, the Edmonton Oilers declined to match the St. Louis Blues' offer sheets for restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. As a result, both players are now members of the Blues.

Broberg signed a two-year, $9.16 million deal, while Holloway signed a two-year, $4.58 million deal.

While it's no secret that the Oilers were dancing around the salary cap and needed some clever financial maneuvering to be in a position to match either deal, the departure of both players could be problematic for Edmonton in the 2024–25 season ahead as they chase a Stanley Cup title.

3 reasons why the Edmonton Oilers will regret parting ways with Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway

#1. No harm in waiting

While it initially looked as though Edmonton wouldn't be able to match either of the deals offered by St. Louis given their cap situation, the team wound up clearing up significant cap room over the past week.

With Evander Kane on LTIR, the recent Oilers-Canucks trade for Vasily Podkolzin, and the departure of Cody Ceci, the team appeared to have the space to match. In doing so, they could have allowed both Broberg and Holloway to play up their trade values for a big trade during the season.

#2. Questions about replacements

While the Oilers acquired winger Vasily Podkolzin, questions remain about how the team will fill the gaps left by the departures of Broberg and Holloway.

Holloway was projected to skate on the team's third line this season, while Broberg was considered a top-four defenseman on the team's roster heading into this year.

Additionally, Broberg was also a member of the team's primary penalty kill unit, raising questions about whether the team will be able to find a suitable replacement for either player as they look to make a run at the Stanley Cup once more.

#3. Playoff experience

Last season, both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway played a major role in the Oilers' Stanley Cup Playoff run.

After being injected into the team's rotations in the Western Conference Finals, Broberg was a major x-factor as the team fought off elimination in the Stanley Cup Finals. Similarly, Holloway logged five goals in the playoffs while playing 25 postseason games.

Put simply, the two young skaters showed they have what it takes to compete at an elite level. Given that, it seems as though the Oilers could run into some problems while trying to find a suitable replacement.