Insider suggests Philip Broberg would have stayed if Ken Holland was still GM

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Finnegan Frost
November 4, 2024 (1:23 PM)

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Although the Edmonton Oilers are starting to perform a little better, the team definitely felt the effects of Philip Broberg's departure early on.

It's no secret by now that the Edmonton Oilers took a a massive hit to their defensive core during the NHL offseason.

A good chunk of the team's blue-liners walked away via trade/free agency, and fans have been extremely vocal concerning GM Stan Bowman's handling of the St. Louis Blues offer sheet situation.

With that being said, Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame reporter Jim Matheson has sparked an interesting conversation, indicating that things could have potentially gone differently if former GM Ken Holland was still in charge.

»Would the Oilers have matched on Broberg if Ken Holland was still Oilers' GM? Broberg was his first draft pick in 2019 and you know the long-lasting faith GMs have in their draft picks? Stan Bowman knows his stuff but had no allegiance to Broberg.» - Jim Matheson, The Edmonton Journal

Liam McCormick from Oilers Daily states that the Oilers cap situation was difficult as the team still needs to sign Evan Bouchard to a long-term extension which will require significant capital to get the job done.

But the Oilers are weakened of younger star power and speed with Broberg no longer in the lineup and having Broberg would have helped the blue line as he has clearly taken a step forward in his game and could have been an option for head coach Kris Knoblauch.

As it stands, Philip Broberg has been absolutely on fire to start the regular season, notching 9 points through 11 regular season games so far.

Despite Broberg showcasing his elite talent, his production came to an abrupt end during the St.Louis Blues last game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Broberg got pinched along the boards, and Leafs forward Mitch Marner fell awkwardly on Broberg's leg, resulting in a lower body injury.

Although the Edmonton Oilers are wishing Broberg a speedy recovery, fans can't help but to wonder what the Oilers roster would look like today had the organization kept Ken Holland around.