I think you know that I am not the conspiracy theory type. But reading between the lines, and even some of the actual lines, it sounds like Broberg's plan was not a decent contract for his current value but to get out of Dodge by hook or by crook. It sure looks like he was not happy with his prospects as an Oiler. BY playing it the way his camp did I think that is a big sign that he was not on board with the program of having him play the second pairing RHD slot.
Now if there was a "mistake" here it was in not getting something done with Holloway earlier. But even then it may not have been nearly as easy as it may seem. It sure looks like the Broberg OS plan was to get Holloway involved early as a pawn to force the Oilers into letting Broberg walk. Even listening to Holloway it sure sounds like he did not expect to end up a Blue. My guess is that if he could go back he would have probably not taken this route.
The Oilers have over the last few years really botched their cap management. Neither of the last two Gm's were at all creative in handling the cap. Most of this is on Holland but Chia still bears some blame. He was very reactive and not at all creative. A series of his moves also triggered moves by Holland , who may have been even less creative, that had cap implications even today. That left the Oilers vulnerable to a move like this. But pretty much every top contender has been in a similar position and has acted in a much similar manner without the result of an OS. Is it that St. Louis was set on breaking the norm, or was this a perfect opportunity since the player actually wanted out. Frankly, I now believe it was a combination of the two.
As to the Brown signing, as a hockey move that is still up in the air. But that contract can be fully buried so I don't think it had any significant impact on signing a guy like Holloway.
Even more reason to act pro-actively as I stated vs low ball offers to their key young players and sit on that without any movement. If the Broberg relationship was as bad or broken as coming out then move on it earlier to try to mitigate with a second offer, some vision of how he fits on the team, or in discussing move options. A favourable trade situation gives options for return (young player vs. non 1st round pick) and both teams avoid an inflationary salary jump There was a month and a half to get business done. And Jackson as a super agent (and former player) has to have a well defined sense of a player's intent.
Have said early salary movement on Holloway and trying to bridge the gap might have softened the player's resolve. Mitigate a double jeopardy situation of your worst scenario risk management planning with organizational planning. That said, Holloway looks fine and content to me with the Blues vision, paycheque, and future life in St. Lou.
This has been cap issue for sure. It's been a development issue moreso and to some extent the challenge of a mature phase team effectively onboarding young players, especially with the high volatility of the team's performance with 3 coaches in recent histories to go with playoff competition.
Big bump in cap, growing warning signs of prospective offer sheet potential notably by a GM in June who showed trade deadline interest in your two young guys, limited cap space.
Act earlier on your young talent. Especially when there's friction. Control your situation vs passivity expecting to lowball.
Got Yer Back just dropped a podcast on the situation. I think it's an interesting listen.
