The St. Louis Blues have taken a bold move in the NHL by submitting offer sheets for Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway. This strategy not only puts pressure on the Oilers but also showcases the Blues’ willingness to shake things up in the league. This article will delve into the implications of this move and how it could affect both teams moving forward.
The Blues offered Broberg a two-year contract worth $4.58 million annually and Holloway a two-year deal at $2.29 million annually. These offers present a significant financial commitment from the Blues, showing their determination to acquire these talented players. The Oilers now have seven days to decide whether to match the offer sheets, putting them in a tight spot given their current salary cap situation.
Edmonton is already over $350,000 above the salary cap, making it challenging for them to match the offers for Broberg and Holloway. The recent signings and re-signings by the Oilers have further complicated their financial situation, forcing them to make tough decisions on how to free up cap space. The Blues, on the other hand, have ample cap space to accommodate these new contracts if the Oilers choose not to match.
If the Oilers decide not to match the offer sheets, they will receive draft pick compensation from the Blues. Broberg’s offer sheet would result in a second-round pick, while Holloway’s offer sheet would yield a third-rounder. The Blues had to make trades with other teams to acquire the necessary picks, demonstrating their commitment to securing these young talents for their roster.
Broberg and Holloway represent the latest additions to the NHL from the Oilers’ development system. They have shown promise in both the NHL and AHL, hinting at a bright future ahead. The Blues recognize the value of cultivating homegrown talent, following in the footsteps of other successful franchises like the Oilers with players such as McDavid and Draisaitl.
The St. Louis Blues’ decision to pursue offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway reflects their determination to bolster their roster with young, talented players. This move not only puts pressure on the Oilers but also signals a shift in how teams approach player acquisitions in the NHL. It will be interesting to see how the Oilers respond and whether they can navigate their cap constraints to retain these promising players. The Blues, on the other hand, are poised to benefit from this aggressive strategy, potentially adding two impactful players to their lineup in the upcoming season.
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