In a stunning turn of events, the Edmonton Oilers have made the decision not to match the offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues on defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway. This decision came after the Oilers had until Tuesday morning to match, seven days after the Blues signed the two restricted free agents. The Oilers will receive a second-round pick back for Broberg and a third-round pick back for Holloway from the Blues as compensation.
Broberg was offered a two-year deal from the Blues at a staggering $4,580,917 per season, while Holloway’s offer came in at $2,290,457 per year on a two-year term. Additionally, in a separate transaction on Tuesday, St. Louis traded their 2028 third-round draft pick and unsigned 2023 fifth-round draft selection Paul Fischer to Edmonton for future considerations.
The decision not to match the offer sheets allows the Oilers to restock their picks after being left with only a sixth- and seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft following two trades on Sunday. The Oilers traded their third-round pick and defenseman Cody Ceci to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Ty Emberson, after trading their 2025 fourth-rounder to the Vancouver Canucks for forward Vasily Podkolzin.
“This was a well-calculated play by the Blues. Oilers decided to maintain flexibility and options rather than match. Some big contracts coming soon,” said TSN’s Ryan Rishaug on Tuesday.
With Ceci and Broberg no longer on the Oilers roster, it appears that Emberson is set to play a key role on the blueline this season. The 24-year-old defenseman had a solid rookie campaign last season, tallying one goal and nine assists for 10 points in 30 games while averaging 18:32 of ice time. He is signed at a $950,000 cap hit this season.
The addition of Podkolzin to the Oilers roster could be seen as an insurance policy for not matching on Holloway. The 23-year-old forward, who was selected 10th overall in the 2019 draft, has had trouble establishing himself as a full-time NHL player. Podkolzin recorded two assists in 19 games last season and has 18 goals and 35 points over 137 career games, all with the Canucks.
Overall, the Oilers’ decision not to match the offer sheets from the Blues has implications for their roster, draft picks, and salary cap flexibility, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead in Edmonton.
