Young defenseman Philip Broberg has made the move to the St. Louis Blues thanks to an offer sheet. After both Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway received offer sheets from the Blues, the Edmonton Oilers decided not to match them, paving the way for the duo to join the Blues’ roster.
Now that Broberg is officially a member of the Blues, it’s time to analyze his potential role with the team. Similar to our previous examination of Dylan Holloway, let’s take a closer look at what Broberg brings to the table.
Broberg finds himself in a similar situation to Holloway, as he joins a Blues team stacked with defensive options. With players like Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, and newcomer Ryan Suter already locking down spots on the blue line, Broberg will have to fight for his place in the lineup.
However, Broberg’s two-way skill set could be a game-changer for the Blues’ defense. With the team lacking a left-handed, two-way defenseman since Jay Bouwmeester, Broberg could potentially fill that void, especially with Torey Krug potentially out for the season. It’s not out of the realm of possibility to see Broberg slotting into the top defensive pair alongside a seasoned player like Faulk.
While some may question putting so much responsibility on a player with only 81 games under his belt, the Blues’ options on the left side are limited. With Suter showing signs of age, Joseph not quite ready for a top-pairing role, and other prospects not stepping up, Broberg may be the best choice available.
It’s not a perfect solution by any means, but sometimes in hockey, you have to work with what you have. It’s a bit like the unusual scenario of emergency backup goaltender Scott Foster getting called into an NHL game – unexpected, but sometimes necessary. Broberg’s unique skill set might just be what the Blues need to solidify their defense.
The Blues won’t just throw Broberg into the fire without testing the waters first. Training camp and preseason will provide opportunities for different defensive pairings to jell, and Broberg will undoubtedly get his chance to prove himself. Competition within the roster will help determine the best fit for him, whether on the top pair or elsewhere.
However, even if Broberg isn’t placed on the top pairing, he still has the chance to make an impact with the Blues. Playing alongside stalwarts like Parayko, Faulk, or Kessel, Broberg will have the chance to showcase his talents and contribute in a meaningful way. The Blues thrive on depth and versatility, and Broberg has the chance to be a valuable piece of that puzzle.
As Broberg settles into his new team, the key for him will be seizing the opportunities that come his way. The Blues will be looking for playmakers at every position, and Broberg has the chance to establish himself as an integral part of the team’s defensive core. It’s all about making the most of the chance he’s been given and showing that he belongs among the top players in St. Louis.
