"This is a Cup-or-bust year" - Ryan Whitney outlines high stakes for Edmonton Oilers in 2024-25 season

By Zachary Roberts

Modified Aug 27, 2024 15:42 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers nearly pulled off a historic comeback in the 2023-2024 Stanley Cup Finals. Down 3-0, they won the next three and forced Game 7. They ultimately fell short 2-1, leaving them with some work to do to get over the hump next year. If they don't, one former NHL player foresees bad things on the horizon.

Ryan Whitney believes that the departure of some young talent (Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg) might hurt them in the long run. But if they win the Cup this year, none of that will matter. If they don't, they'll have sacrificed talent for no reason.

"It was a tough day as an Oilers fan to see two young guys leave, and if they go on to even lift their games to higher levels, it'll hurt in the future," Whitney said on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast (29:00).

"But this year, it's like, this is a Cup-or-bust year. I know it was the same last year for Edmonton, but they need flexibility to look in December, January, February—'Alright, we're lacking this, we need this.' We can bring guys in because we didn't overpay these two youngsters."

GM Stan Bowman was brought in to help make tough decisions and to ensure the Oilers get over the hump. Letting some players leave to save money was one of those tough decisions.

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Edmonton Oilers pass on Dylan Holloway and Stan Broberg offer sheets

The young talent that left the Edmonton Oilers were Dylan Holloway and Stan Broberg. The two stars signed offer sheets but were restricted free agents, meaning Edmonton had every chance to match and bring them back.

Stan Broberg wasn't matched by the Edmonton Oilers (Imagn)

However, they opted to pass on both Broberg and Holloway, who were promising young talents. They have room for growth, but the Oilers want to have some money to make even bigger moves to break through and win the Stanley Cup Final.

Holloway signed a two-year deal for $4.58 million with the St. Louis Blues. Broberg signed with the same team for two years and $9.16 million.