In a bold and unexpected move, the St. Louis Blues have thrown down the gauntlet by tendering offer sheets to two key players from the Edmonton Oilers, defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway.
Offer sheets are a rare occurrence in the NHL, as teams are often hesitant to risk draft pick compensation. The most recent high-profile case was Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2021. However, the Blues have not shied away from taking a chance and have put their cards on the table.
The offer to Broberg includes a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of around $4.6 million, showcasing the Blues’ commitment to bolstering their defensive lineup. Meanwhile, Holloway has been offered a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of roughly $2.3 million, adding depth to their forward corps.
If either Broberg or Holloway accept the offer sheet and the Oilers decide not to match, the Blues will owe Edmonton draft compensation. A second-round pick will be owed for Broberg, and a third-round pick for Holloway. The stakes are high, and the ball is now in the court of the two players and the Oilers.
Just moments before announcing the daring move, the Blues engaged in a savvy trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, swapping draft picks to ensure they have the necessary compensation picks to give to the Oilers. It’s clear that the Blues are willing to do whatever it takes to secure their targets.
In the whirlwind of activity, it’s easy to forget the player at the center of it all. Broberg, with only 81 NHL games under his belt, has shown promise with a career-high of 46 games in the 2022-23 season. As a left-handed shot, he brings a valuable skillset to the table. While the Blues already have several left-handed defensemen on their roster, there are questions about who will ultimately make the cut, with Torey Krug’s status up in the air.
The hockey world waits with bated breath to see how this high-stakes game of chess plays out. Will Broberg and Holloway accept the offer sheets? Will the Oilers match? The drama and tension are palpable, as the Blues make a bold statement with their offer sheets. Stay tuned for more updates as this saga unfolds.
