The Edmonton Oilers are looking back with a sense of regret as they witness the remarkable success of former players Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg with the St. Louis Blues. Both players were acquired by the Blues through offer sheets last offseason, decisions that have proven wise for St. Louis as it strives to reclaim its position in Stanley Cup contention. As of March 25, 2025, the decision not to match the offer sheets is increasingly viewed as a significant misstep by the Oilers' front office.
The Blues are currently riding a six-game winning streak, showcasing their newfound strength—and much of that can be attributed to the contributions from Holloway and Broberg. Holloway, in particular, has emerged as a standout player, racking up 58 points (23 goals, 35 assists) in just 72 games. This performance marks a stark contrast to his earlier seasons with the Oilers, where he only managed 18 points across 89 games.
Holloway’s impressive leap in production is attributed to various factors, including increased ice time and a more significant role in St. Louis’ lineup. Having originally been drafted 14th overall by the Oilers in 2020, Holloway has now fully blossomed into a reliable contributor within the Blues’ offensive structure. His journey from serving as a depth forward in Edmonton to becoming a top-six player in St. Louis exemplifies the impactful changes players can experience when given opportunities to thrive.
Meanwhile, Philip Broberg, who the Oilers drafted eighth overall in 2019, has also turned heads with his performance since his move to St. Louis. Broberg has posted an impressive 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) over just 59 games. This level of output greatly surpasses what he managed during his brief stint in Edmonton, where he accounted for only 13 points across his first 81 career games.
The decision to let both young players go is now being scrutinized closely. Despite the Oilers' assurances at the time that their move was the right one given the salary cap crunch, many analysts disagree. Current Oilers GM Stan Bowman expressed no regrets on declining the offer sheets, indicating that keeping the players would have hampered the team’s ability to field a competitive squad. Yet former NHL player Paul Bissonnette has voiced strong criticism regarding their choices, sharing his views on ESPN’s Spittin' Chiclets podcast.
Bissonnette remarked, "Fair enough. But, look, Broberg was their best defenseman in the Finals against Florida. I thought he was better overall than Bouchard. Okay, say he wasn’t—but to me, that was such a huge fumble. They got older, smaller and slower." His comments have resonated with fans and analysts, highlighting how the Oilers’ roster lacks the youthful dynamism that Holloway and Broberg represented.
As the Oilers comfortably position themselves to make the playoffs as a top-three seed in the Pacific division, this season is markedly different in feel compared to the previous year’s playoff run, which culminated in a Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Finals. The sharp decline in production from their younger players, contrasted with the success their former teammates are experiencing in St. Louis, raises questions about the current management strategy and player development within the Oilers organization.
With the Blues seeking playoff glory and continuing to build momentum, they hope that the combination of Holloway's scoring prowess and Broberg’s reliable defense can sustain their performance. The Blues are targeting a playoff spot and will be up against the Montreal Canadiens this Tuesday, where they will try to extend their winning streak to seven games.
Holloway and Broberg's journeys serve as a reminder of the importance of cultivating young talent effectively. As the Oilers watch their former players thrive elsewhere, the need for introspection and potential reevaluation of their strategies seems clearer. With the stakes higher than ever, the decisions made now will shape the future of the Oilers, while the Blues continue to benefit from their foresight in signing promising young stars.
