Philip Broberg is playing below his pay grade

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Finnegan Frost
September 9, 2024 (11:07)

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On the latest edition of the Got Yer' Back Podcast, former Edmonton Oilers Jason Strudwick had some intriguing comments about Philip Broberg.

Former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Philip Broberg recently signed an offer sheet from the St. Louis Blues. Along with Broberg goes Dylan Holloway, which is a massive hit to the Oilers moving forward.

During the GYB Podcast, Jason Strudwick commented on the added pressure that comes with taking a big paycheque.

"For Broberg, the expectations are wildly different at $4.5 million dollars. When you're paid that much, the expectations are 20 minutes a night, pretty good hockey, and 30-40 points. So now, Broberg has put himself in a situation where the expectations are different" said Strudwick

Broberg, 23, primarily played in the AHL last season. The 6-foot-4 defenseman registered 38 points in 49 games with the Bakersfield Condors. He played 12 regular-season contests with the Oilers and broke into Edmonton's lineup in the postseason, recording two goals and three points in 10 playoff games. Broberg was drafted eighth overall by the Oilers in 2019.

In a recent interview with sportsnet, Blues GM Doug Armstrong admitted to "overpaying" for both Broberg and Holloway, but indicated this was a strategic move to utilize open cap space.

Regardless, Broberg has been caught red handed chasing a big paycheque, and the pressure to perform at an elite level looms over the young defenceman.

At $4.5 million, there's no wiggle room for error. Jason Strudwick is worried that Broberg isnt ready for that kind of pressure just yet this early in his career. Will Broberg rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.

source: The Score
Oilers GM: Broberg, Holloway offer sheets 'way above' their performance