As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the 2024-25 season, there are already some intriguing storylines developing. With the season still a few months away, it’s hard to predict exactly what will happen, but that won’t stop us from making some bold predictions.
One area where the Oilers have been fortunate in recent years is with their defensive corps. The top six defencemen have managed to stay relatively healthy, with key players like Barrie and Ekholm rarely missing a game. However, the physical nature of the game means that it’s unlikely this trend will continue. This could open the door for some younger players to step up and make an impact, such as Troy Stecher, Josh Brown, Philip Kemp, and Max Wanner.
One player to keep an eye on is Philip Broberg. The eighth overall pick in the 2019 draft, Broberg has been slowly progressing through the Oilers’ system. He had a breakout performance in the playoffs, showing his potential with solid ice time, points, and blocked shots. In the AHL, he put up impressive numbers and earned praise from the Condors GM for his all-around game.
With Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch now familiar with Broberg’s abilities, it’s likely that the young defenceman will see more ice time and responsibilities in the upcoming season. While he may not be a flashy player or rack up big offensive numbers, Broberg’s defensive reliability and ability to shut down opponents will be valuable to the team.
It’s possible that Broberg could find himself in a top-four role, potentially paired with the likes of Ekholm, Nurse, or Bouchard. His maturity and consistency on the ice could make him a key piece of the Oilers’ defensive puzzle moving forward.
As the season approaches, it will be interesting to see how these predictions play out and how the Oilers’ lineup takes shape. With plenty of talent and potential on the roster, there’s no telling what this team could accomplish in the upcoming season.