How early contracts could have prevented current salary cap issues
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a precarious financial bind after the St. Louis Blues signed Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to offer sheet contracts.
This situation, however, could have been mitigated months ago, as highlighted in a recent revelation by sports analyst Elliotte Friedman.
According to Friedman, former Oilers GM Ken Holland received advice to secure both players with NHL contracts while they were still in the minors this past January. At the time, both were willing to accept deals around the $1 million mark. Fast forward to today, and they have inked multi-million dollar contracts with the Blues. Friedman noted,
This strategic blunder has not only cost the Oilers financially but also strategically. If they had shown the foresight to lock down Broberg and Holloway with contracts earlier in the year, they would have secured two promising talents for a fraction of their current cost. Now, to retain either player, the Oilers face a steep price tag-nearly $3 million more than anticipated in Broberg's case.
For the St. Louis Blues, these moves are a calculated gamble that has paid off. Fresh off their breakout performances in the playoffs, Broberg and Holloway have proven they possess the mettle to compete on the NHL's grandest stages. The compensation owed to Edmonton in return-minimal draft picks-is a small price for potential high-caliber players.
Meanwhile, the Oilers' cap situation is dire. With Evander Kane starting the year on Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), there was a glimmer of hope for cap relief. However, the new contracts have plunged the team over $7 million beyond the salary cap limit, compelling them to consider trading multiple players to balance the books.
As the Oilers grapple with these financial constraints, the next seven days will be critical. The decisions made during this period could lead to the loss of one, or potentially both, of these young players, altering the team's roster and strategic outlook significantly. The episode stands as a stark lesson in the importance of proactive management and the high stakes involved in NHL contract negotiations.
Source: DailyHive
Oilers RFAs landed double their asking prices with Blues
| POLL | ||
Will the Oilers retain both of their players? | ||
| Yes, they'll keep one | 38 | 59.4 % |
| No, both will leave | 26 | 40.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
