The St. Louis Blues have made a splash in the hockey world by signing Dylan Holloway to an offer sheet. This move has officially made him a member of the Blues, and fans are eager to see what role he will play on the team.
Holloway made a name for himself in the Alberta Junior Hockey League as a prolific goal scorer, tallying an impressive 40 goals in one season. While he hasn’t reached that same level of goal-scoring success since then, he has continued to produce solid numbers, including a standout season at the University of Wisconsin where he notched 35 points in just 23 games. With his skill set, there is optimism that the 22-year-old forward can find his scoring touch in the NHL.
Scouts believe that Holloway has the potential to be a top-six forward for the Blues, but his limited NHL experience suggests he may start on the third line. The Blues’ top-six is currently set with players like Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Jake Neighbours, Pavel Buchnevich, Brayden Schenn, and Brandon Saad expected to hold those spots. However, the third line could provide a good opportunity for Holloway to develop his game alongside veteran center Radek Faksa.
Holloway’s physical style of play is sure to make him a valuable asset on the bottom-six lines, similar to the role Ivan Barbashev once filled. If he can bring that same level of physicality and two-way play to the Blues, it will surely benefit the team.
While Holloway is likely to start on the third line, there are scenarios where he could find himself on the second line. Captain Brayden Schenn’s versatility as a physical player could open up opportunities for Holloway to move up the lineup. Additionally, if injuries or underperformance strike, Holloway could be called upon to step into a higher role.
Overall, Holloway’s arrival in St. Louis has generated excitement and anticipation among Blues fans. His potential to contribute on both ends of the ice makes him a valuable addition to the team, and he will be one to watch as the season unfolds.
