Edmonton Oilers GM calls out Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway during interview

While the St. Louis Blues were willing to invest heavily in both players, Oilers' GM Stan Bowman recently shared some strong opinions on why Edmonton passed on those deals.

Bowman's comments come in response to the hefty contracts offered by the Blues, which will see Broberg and Holloway earning nearly $7 million AAV combined. This figure surprised many, especially considering neither player has yet surpassed the 100-game mark in the NHL.

Broberg, a promising defenseman, and Holloway, a versatile forward, are both under the age of 22. Their potential is undeniable, but Bowman argued that the price the Blues paid doesn't reflect their current level of performance. Despite this, St. Louis seems to be banking on their development, hoping the investment will pay off in the future.

Ultimately, some of the blame falls on the Oilers' former GM Ken Holland, who failed to secure long-term, cost-effective deals for these players when they were in the AHL. Had Edmonton locked them in earlier, they might have avoided losing them to such high offers. Now, both teams will move forward, hoping for better outcomes with these rising stars.

While it remains to be seen how Broberg and Holloway will perform under their new contracts, the Oilers have clearly moved on, prioritizing other areas of their roster. For now, the Blues are taking a risk, betting that their significant financial commitment will pay off in the long run.

This situation reflects the challenges teams face in balancing potential and immediate performance, and how crucial it is to lock in talent before the price skyrockets.

Source:
Oilers GM: Broberg, Holloway offer sheets 'way above' their performance