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Ryan Whitney makes bold Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup prediction despite key players' exits
Former NHL player turned analyst Ryan Whitney made a bold prediction that the Edmonton Oilers will win the Stanley Cup this season despite the departure of some key players.
Defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway (RFAs) were signed to offer sheets by the St. Louis Blues, which the salary-cap strapped Oilers opted not to match. Broberg and Holloway were seen as up-and-coming prospects for the Oilers.
Earlier in the week, Edmonton also traded away veteran defenseman Cody Ceci to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for younger blueliner Ty Emberson. Ceci was a strong defensive presence for the Oilers last season.
Whitney tweeted:
"Broberg and Holloway are gonezo. I’m a bit confused on why Ceci was dealt. Broberg hurts more than Holloway in my opinion. He looked ready to make a big step but now there is some cap flexibility to make a trade at some point this season. Oilers still winning Cup."
With superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, Whitney feels the Edmonton Oilers still have what it takes to hoist the Cup. The Oilers also have cap space to potentially make a trade later in the season to bolster their roster before the playoffs.
Blues GM Doug Armstrong addresses usage of offer sheets against Edmonton Oilers
Doug Armstrong has responded to criticism over the team's use of offer sheets to acquire young prospects from the Edmonton Oilers. Armstrong defended the controversial maneuver, saying on Tuesday:
"This is a tool that I think everyone uses and should use. I think it was reported that I wouldn't have done this to Kenny Holland (Fomer Oilers GM). ... Quite honestly, I'd do it to my mother if she was managing the Oilers."
He made it clear that his duty is to improve the Blues franchise not avoid ruffling feathers within the league.
"My job is to take care of St. Louis Blues fans and the St. Louis Blues organization, and we saw an opportunity to do that," Armstrong said. "There is no code. I think offer sheets are there if you think you're going to get the player."
The Blues' offer sheets have been controversial around the league, but Armstrong stands by the decision as it intended to improve his team and not harm another franchise.
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