Confirmed Signing with Link: [STL] F Dylan Holloway (2 years, $2.290457M AAV) and D Philip Broberg (2 years, $4.580917M AAV) sign offer sheets with the Blues (not matched)

[sting101]

The bolded is exactly why the offer sheets really hurt the Oilers, especially in long run.

As for the rest, I was answering to a post that this hurt the Oilers saying that almost every Oiler fan penciled Broberg in top 4 and Holloway in top 9 next season... And I doubt that next season Holloway will be better than the 32 years old fosil Skinner. In long run, we will miss him, indeed, if we let him go.

Skinner has been put into a dream situation. He's a fantastic finisher but a passenger when it comes to getting pucks back or helping wear teams down. His scoring will easily make him on paper a "better" player because McDavid or Draisaitl need smart players that can finish.

In saying that Holloway is very important in his own right as the season is a marathon not a sprint.

Oilers will need good legs or the impetus will continue to fall on McDrai to drive possession even more than in the past coming off a long exhausting season. The question isn't about production player for player it's about work (physicality checking being first to pucks) and balancing that while getting enough productivity to still win.

It wont mean jack if your best players are worn out by May of next year if Henrique Arvidsson and Skinner outproduced McLoed Foegele and Holloway. That is why Holloway might get a little different consideration for whether he can become worth it even if he hasn't earned it yet. Arvidsson if healthy still works his ass off

Broberg's deal is just too cost prohibitive without a firm belief he's worth getting rid of 3 million in cap and then having more impact than the player/s they moved. It puts an incredible amount of pressure to be a good top4 by playoffs and creates a lot of interim issues. I probably take the 2nd but i havent watched enough of him to say with conviction

 

[Three On Zero]

I am sure McDavid is well aware of the impact Nurse has when he's on the ice... Trading Nurse wouldn't sever their friendship. I am sure McDavid can cope. There are plenty of hugs to go around. McDavid is not 18 anymore...

One would assume this, but then you look at how Edmonton has insulated McDavid with people he’s known.

Broberg over Nurse would be a huge addition, but it’s just not likely to happen

 

[Junohockeyfan]

One would assume this, but then you look at how Edmonton has insulated McDavid with people he’s known.

I really doubt it. McDavid is not an infant.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

Can somebody layout the argument for the Oilers matching Broberg (and not matching the other guy)? Seems obvious that they will walk away from Broberg. But trying to understand the argument for matching Broberg. What does that look like?

 

[Old Boys Club]

Kane is gonna cost you an arm and leg to dump at the TDL. It will cost a 1st +.

Respectfully, you were the guy saying less than a year ago that McLeod would cost a 2nd or 1st to dump (something in that vein). I think your radar is off

 

[Akrapovince]

Funny now that holloway will likely be matched he is on a line with drais. When edm fans thought he was gone he wad a bust 4th liner. You guys are all ove rthe place

We never discussed him being on a line with Drai because the Oilers went out and signed two top six forwards pushing him out.

We are discussing currently that if the Oilers went out and just signed one top six forward, it is a safer bet that Holloway will turn into a top six forward that can be effective with a second line than Broberg turning into a top four defensemen dragging around Nurse.

So yeah, obviously no one was pencilling in Holloway as Drai’s winger with Skinner & Arvidssom signing with the team. And I’m not even saying Holloway would be good in that role.

But if I had the options of signing two wingers and hoping Broberg can turn into a top four defensemen with Nurse, or signing a top six forward and a top four defensemen and hoping Holloway can be an effective top 6er, I know which one I’m picking.

 

[Old Boys Club]

Can somebody layout the argument for the Oilers matching Broberg (and not matching the other guy)? Seems obvious that they will walk away from Broberg. But trying to understand the argument for matching Broberg. What does that look like?

There is none. Broberg is a 3rd pairing guy, the Oilers were fine without him last season after Knobloch took over. You can argue about the long term w.r.t. Broberg's potential, but this will be his D+6 season and he has yet to show that he is anything more than a 3rd pairing guy

 

[tfriede2]

Edmonton doesn't have to make a trade by Tuesday. They can match and work out a trade before rosters have to be set.

It was reported that there was interest in Ceci before these offer sheets. One would assume the Oilers would consider trading him if they thought there was a deal there for him, but it would likely mean the Oilers would look for something, anything, in return. Now they could potentially call up those teams who previously expressed interest and say "Hey if you're still interested, we'll send him your way for future considerations. A team that was interested in him before would now potentially get to add him for free.

I'm not saying this will happen, just that it's the other side of the coin

If the Oilers match both, then they NEED to trade Ceci/Kulak prior to the season starting - they would have literally zero leverage, while the team that might be interested would have 100% leverage to ask for anything and everything (1st rounder) in return. No other team in the league needs either of those players; it may just be a “nice to have.” But no team is going to call up the Oilers and just accept one of Ceci/Kulak for future considerations when they know Edmonton HAS to trade such player at all costs. It’s going to cost, big.

The Blues traded Hayes and a 2nd for future considerations; Detroit traded Walman and a 2nd for future considerations. Neither team needed to trade either player. Now imagine Edmonton wanting to get rid of a similarly priced player, except now there are less suitors because most teams have their rosters set, Edmonton doesn’t have a 2025 1st or 2nd, so if they trade 2026 draft picks it’s going to cost more, and Edmonton has no choice but to trade one of those players. It’s going to hurt.

Right now, Edmonton doesn’t NEED to trade either. But if they match without making a trade before Tuesday, they’re F’d. That’s a lot of risk to take knowing that any other team can simply name their price, and if Edmonton doesn’t oblige, then the other team just says “oh well,” and moves on; Edmonton wouldn’t have that luxury.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

If the Oilers match both, then they NEED to trade Ceci/Kulak prior to the season starting - they would have literally zero leverage, while the team that might be interested would have 100% leverage to ask for anything and everything (1st rounder) in return. No other team in the league needs either of those players; it may just be a “nice to have.” But no team is going to call up the Oilers and just accept one of Ceci/Kulak for future considerations when they know Edmonton HAS to trade such player at all costs. It’s going to cost, big.

The Blues traded Hayes and a 2nd for future considerations; Detroit traded Walman and a 2nd for future considerations. Neither team needed to trade either player. Now imagine Edmonton wanting to get rid of a similarly priced player, except now there are less suitors because most teams have their rosters set, Edmonton doesn’t have a 2025 1st or 2nd, so if they trade 2026 draft picks it’s going to cost more, and Edmonton has no choice but to trade one of those players. It’s going to hurt.

And then add in - nobody likes Bowman....

 

[GOilers88]

If the Oilers match both, then they NEED to trade Ceci/Kulak prior to the season starting - they would have literally zero leverage, while the team that might be interested would have 100% leverage to ask for anything and everything (1st rounder) in return. No other team in the league needs either of those players; it may just be a “nice to have.” But no team is going to call up the Oilers and just accept one of Ceci/Kulak for future considerations when they know Edmonton HAS to trade such player at all costs. It’s going to cost, big.

The Blues traded Hayes and a 2nd for future considerations; Detroit traded Walman and a 2nd for future considerations. Neither team needed to trade either player. Now imagine Edmonton wanting to get rid of a similarly priced player, except now there are less suitors because most teams have their rosters set, Edmonton doesn’t have a 2025 1st or 2nd, so if they trade 2026 draft picks it’s going to cost more, and Edmonton has no choice but to trade one of those players. It’s going to hurt.

Sure, if they match both. I'm assuming they're going to match Holloway and let Broberg walk, unless they can swing something by Tuesday.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

Sure, if they match both. I'm assuming they're going to match Holloway and let Broberg walk, unless they can swing something by Tuesday.

Unless they bite the bullet and pay someone to take Kane?

 

[Frank Drebin]

Can somebody layout the argument for the Oilers matching Broberg (and not matching the other guy)? Seems obvious that they will walk away from Broberg. But trying to understand the argument for matching Broberg. What does that look like?

I dont really see one

Brobergs value was one of a young player playing to or exceeding his unproven status and cap hit. He looked good in the 10 or so playoff games but that perception would have been different if we were watching a 4.6m veteran.

Oilers have zero need for another overpaid player.

I think they match Holloway as its only 500-700k overpayment for what they would have signed him for anyway.

 

[Junohockeyfan]

I dont really see one

Brobergs value was one of a young player playing to or exceeding his unproven status and cap hit. He looked good in the 10 or so playoff games but that perception would have been different if we were watching a 4.6m veteran.

Oilers have zero need for another overpaid player.

I think they match Holloway as its only 500-700k overpayment for what they would have signed him for anyway.

I think that's the obvious play. But i have a feeling Bowman will do something crazy...

With all said, we all need to thank Armstrong for making the offseason somewhat entertaining. Armstrong was MVP of the offseason.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

I dont really see one

Brobergs value was one of a young player playing to or exceeding his unproven status and cap hit. He looked good in the 10 or so playoff games but that perception would have been different if we were watching a 4.6m veteran.

Oilers have zero need for another overpaid player.

I think they match Holloway as its only 500-700k overpayment for what they would have signed him for anyway.

There is one. They have no good young players and a lot of mediocre d like Kulak and Ceci. And no 2025 1st to replenish their prospect list. And he is only 23. Might not rech his full potential for 2-3 years.

 

[Old Boys Club]

Funny now that holloway will likely be matched he is on a line with drais. When edm fans thought he was gone he wad a bust 4th liner. You guys are all ove rthe place

With a fully healthy roster, Holloway would be on the 4th line. RNH, Kane, Skinner are better LW than him. He has not played center at all at NHL level (or at AHL I believe), but regardless Henrique, Drai, and McDavid are better. He might get spot duty in the top 6 on occasion, and with Kane out he'll start on the third line.

There is one. They have no good young players and a lot of mediocre d like Kulak and Ceci.

His value was entirely tied to being cost controlled. Broberg at 1M has value playing on the third pair. Broberg at 4.5M has negative value until he proves he can be a 4.5M defenseman, which he has not shown an ability to be thus far.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

I think that's the obvious play. But i have a feeling Bowman will do something crazy...

With all said, we all need to thank Armstrong for making the offseason somewhat entertaining. Armstrong was MVP of the offseason.

The smart play is to use the 2026 1st to move a Ceci or Kulak and keep both.

With a fully healthy roster, Holloway would be on the 4th line. RNH, Kane, Skinner are better LW than him. He has not played center at all at NHL level (or at AHL I believe), but regardless Henrique, Drai, and McDavid are better. He might get spot duty in the top 6 on occasion, and with Kane out he'll start on the third line.


His value was entirely tied to being cost controlled. Broberg at 1M has value playing on the third pair. Broberg at 4.5M has negative value until he proves he can be a 4.5M defenseman, which he has not shown an ability to be thus far.

Henrique is garbage. Holloway should easily be better.

 

[Old Boys Club]

Henrique is garbage. Holloway should easily be better.

Show your math

 

[McShogun99]

The smart play is to use the 2026 1st to move a Ceci or Kulak and keep both.


Henrique is garbage. Holloway should easily be better.

If Holloway comes anywhere close to having a similar career as Henrique then it's a huge win for whatever team he plays for.

 

[Metalwood]

Vancouver takes Kulak and a second for Poolman’s LTIR bam resign both guys with Kane on LTIR

 

[Mike Liut]

The Blues should offer another pick to have Edm not match either. Maybe a 2026 2nd.

 

[tkb81]

Unless they bite the bullet and pay someone to take Kane?

kane has a NMC .. and its been reported hes already used it on a few teams ...

 

[TS Quint]

Broberg was much worse than Ceci last year save for a large handful of playoff games.

Ceci is a big RHD that can play 20 minutes a night. Makes $3.25mm. How does Edmonton replace that? He’s definitely better AAV value than Nurse, and you have to factor that into your analysis He’d be hard to replace at his AAV or less.

I can play 20 minutes a night and have the worst shot share on the defense too.

 

[Patch101]

I'd let both walk.

- Holloway is way -rated, and broberg is a massive question mark. Cap is king and spending it unwisely would be silly. Use the picks!

 

[Frank Drebin]

There is one. They have no good young players and a lot of mediocre d like Kulak and Ceci. And no 2025 1st to replenish their prospect list. And he is only 23. Might not rech his full potential for 2-3 years.

The Oilers are in no position to take a 2.5 m cap hit risk on an unproven young player.

They already have 3m in buyout hit for this season and Ceci/Nurse/Kane making probably about 7 m too much combined.

How on earth could you convince Draisatl to take a bit less to be competitive when you pay a player with 81 career games and 2 goals 4.6 million per year?

 

[McJedi]

I can play 20 minutes a night and have the worst shot share on the defense too.

Ceci has a career Ozone start rate of just 36%. What kind of corsi do you expect for a guy that gets such a heavy D deployment?

Does context not matter a bit to you?

But by all means, give nurse and Broberg 36% ozone starts and see what happens.

Ceci and his 36% ozone start rate won’t be as easy to replace as Oiler fans think.