The Edmonton Oilers lately misplaced two younger gamers, Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, to provide sheets tendered by the St. Louis Blues. Whereas the Oilers went out and purchased Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson in hopes of changing them, many followers started to query how the Oilers had been going to have the ability to run it again and attempt to make one other deep playoff run with such a drastic change to their lineup. Whereas the suitable facet of the defensive lineup doesn’t look as sturdy because it probably might, a diamond-in-the-rough pickup in Emberson will strengthen the top-four defenders. Whereas bringing again Broberg might have helped create defensive depth beneath the highest 4, he’s somebody the workforce now has to maneuver on with out and attempt to bolster their roster in one other method. One query many followers did have straight away was whether or not or not the provide sheets would have been tendered if Ken Holland was nonetheless the Oilers’ normal supervisor (GM) moderately than Stan Bowman.
Associated: Reacting to Oilers’ Ceci-for-Emberson Commerce
Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong spoke out in regards to the provide sheets after he was questioned about the “unstated code” between groups that concerned not provide sheeting restricted free brokers (RFAs) and he shut down the thought of him solely providing the contracts as a result of Holland is not GM. Armstrong was adamant that he made these provides with the only real objective of enhancing the Blues as he seemed to assist construct a future playoff workforce. Holloway and Broberg are future belongings who’re certain for breakouts quickly and could possibly be gamers the Blues select to construct round as they head out of their rebuild and into competition.
Blues Will Miss Playoffs, However Future Seems Vibrant
Holloway is penciled into the Blues’ top-six ahead group, whereas Broberg might begin the season within the top-four defensive group. Holloway and Broberg will each doubtless have elevated roles with the Blues for the 2024-25 season in addition to a pay elevate they wouldn’t have acquired with the Oilers. Nonetheless, it’s unlikely they may play within the postseason whereas the Oilers are doubtless heading again there. regardless of their sturdy additions, the Blues don’t have what it takes to sneak right into a playoff spot simply but. Armstrong is constructing a powerful workforce and the gamers he has introduced in appear to be dedicated to serving to the Blues win, nevertheless, they aren’t going to be contenders this season.
With Holloway and Broberg becoming a member of a younger workforce, the longer term seems to be vivid in St. Louis. With Jake Neighbours, Alexey Toropchenko, and Dalibor Dvorksy additionally being key items to the Blues’ future, followers needs to be excited for what’s to return. Holloway is a private favorite of mine, and he has been since he was drafted by the Oilers, however he isn’t but able to tackle an elevated offensive function the place he’s anticipated to supply 20-goal seasons. He has the potential to do it, however isn’t there but.
The Blues are going to strive their finest to show everybody unsuitable, together with myself, and make the playoffs. Followers of the Oilers and Blues will proceed to argue for some time because the provide sheet scenario lingers and laves a bitter style in Oilers followers’ mouths. Thankfully, each Broberg and Holloway get a pay elevate that they wouldn’t have gotten with the Oilers, elevated tasks, and obtained to play in entrance of a devoted fan base that loves their workforce. It’s comforting for each gamers that Armstrong made it clear they weren’t provided contracts for a petty purpose, however moderately as a result of the Blues are genuinely involved in growing them and having them as a part of their future.
