Stan Bowman reveals the reasoning behind the Oilers' decision to part with Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway

GM Stan Bowman explains the rationale behind this choice, including a focus on future flexibility and draft picks.

The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant decision regarding their roster by allowing Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to leave for the St. Louis Blues. This move comes after the Blues extended offer sheets to both young players. In return, the Oilers will receive a second-round pick for Holloway and a third-round pick for Broberg.

Earlier in the week, the Oilers tried to position themselves to match these offer sheets by trading Cody Ceci to the San Jose Sharks for Ty Emberson. Despite these preparations, the team decided it was more beneficial to retain cap space and acquire the draft picks from St. Louis.

Edmonton's GM, Stan Bowman, has shed light on the reasoning behind this decision. According to Gene Principe:

Bowman's strategy involves preparing for significant moves as the trade deadline approaches.

The players departing-Broberg and Holloway-are notable for their potential but have not yet fully realized it at the NHL level. Broberg, drafted 8th overall in 2019, is a 6'4" defenseman with a promising build for modern NHL play. He has accumulated 81 games and 13 points in his NHL career so far, averaging just 12:42 minutes of ice time per game. His performance in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, especially when playing on his off-hand, was likely a key factor in the Blues' decision to offer him a contract.

Holloway, drafted 14th overall in 2020, is slightly younger and has seen 89 NHL games over the last two seasons. He has split time between the NHL and the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, totaling 18 career points. Despite his limited output so far, Holloway is expected to play a crucial role for the Blues moving forward.

Source: House of Hockey
Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman comments on his decision to let Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway go

Source for Philip Broberg's statistics: NHL.com
Philip Broberg's profile

Source for Dylan Holloway's statistics: Elite Prospects
Dylan Holloway's profile