NHL insider Frank Seravalli 'won't be surprised' if Edmonton Oilers let both Broberg & Holloway walk

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 20, 2024 05:34 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers have important decisions to make about Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Both players received offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues. NHL insider Frank Seravalli tweeted that he wouldn't be surprised if both players left for St. Louis.

The Oilers have until Tuesday morning to decide whether to match the offers or let the players go.

"Hockey world waits for #Oilers to render decisions Tuesday on #stlblues offer sheets to Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Recent trades mean everything is still on the table cap-wise, but I wouldn't be surprised if both Broberg and Holloway become Blues tomorrow. We'll see." Seravalli tweeted.

If they don’t match, Edmonton would receive a second-round pick for Broberg and a third-round pick for Holloway.

NHL insider Jordan Schmaltz also tweeted that the Oilers are unlikely to match Broberg’s offer. The team is still deciding on Holloway.

"My National League line is buzzin like a no vacancy sign on a hotel motel off Highway 1. Hearing the word around Edmonton Alberta is Stan Bowman & the #LetsGoOilers WILL NOT be matching the offer sheet on Phil Broberg. The Oiler brass is still mulling the option on what to do on Dylan Holloway front but my #source out of northern AB was quoted saying “Gun to my chin. I wouldn’t be surprised if Holloway isn’t back either.” Let’s see how this plays out over the next 10 hours or so." Schmaltz tweeted.

On Sunday, the Oilers traded Cody Ceci and a third-round pick to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Ty Emberson. They also acquired forward Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round pick. So, now they have some cap flexibility.

Brian Lawton urges Edmonton Oilers to match Blues' offer sheet for Philip Broberg

Brian Lawton, a former NHL general manager and player agent, says the Edmonton Oilers should respond to the St. Louis Blues' $4.6 million offer sheet for Philip Broberg. On Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer on Sunday, Lawton shared the need to keep Broberg.

“I would never let him go. That doesn’t mean Edmonton will do that, Lawton said. "Everybody has their own opinion. I played the game. I was a forward. People always ask, ‘Why do you care so much about defence?

He also noted that strong defense is important for a high-scoring team like the Oilers. Broberg’s recent growth and potential add to his value.

Lawton viewed the Blues' offer as a strategy to pressure the Oilers without a high cost. He said giving up a second-round pick is minor compared to Broberg’s potential. Even if Broberg doesn’t become a top defenseman, Lawton thinks the risk is worth it since top defensemen are rare.

Lawton also criticized the Edmonton Oilers for not giving longer contracts to Broberg and Dylan Holloway when they were in the minors. He mentioned that offer sheets are rare but can be a smart strategy. He advised the Oilers to think carefully about their options and the long-term impact.