The Blues squeeze the salary cap by signing Holloway and Broberg to offer sheets
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a precarious financial bind following a bold move by the St. Louis Blues, who have signed Oilers' restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheet contracts.
Holloway's deal is pegged at $2.29 million annually over two years, while Broberg is set for $4.58 million per year for the same term. The Oilers now face a critical seven-day window to match these offers or let the players walk, receiving a third-round pick for Holloway and a second-round pick for Broberg in return.
The timing of these offers places the Oilers in a dilemma, especially with the team already $350K above the salary cap. Initially, Edmonton had hoped to secure both RFAs for around $1 million each, aiming to maintain cap flexibility. Matching the Blues' aggressive terms would necessitate freeing up approximately $7 million, potentially leading to significant roster changes.
The Oilers' strategy to remain competitive hinges on tough decisions involving key players. Brett Kulak, Cody Ceci, and the injured Evander Kane, who is saddled with a no-move clause and a lingering injury expected to sideline him for much of the season, are all potential trade pieces. However, trading Kane poses a significant challenge, as his injury complicates any potential move, and he must remain on the roster for Edmonton to place him on long-term injury reserve and gain cap relief.
The strategic implications of the Blues' offers are profound. Holloway and Broberg have yet to showcase standout offensive skills but are considered NHL-ready with potential upside, which St. Louis is evidently banking on. The Oilers' response to this situation will reveal their valuation of these young talents, particularly Broberg, who showed promising signs during last season's playoffs.
As the clock ticks down, the Oilers must navigate these cap constraints and strategic decisions that will shape their roster and competitive stance in the coming season. The outcome of this cap conundrum could signal a shift in the team's approach to roster management and financial flexibility, all while under the intense scrutiny of the league and its observers.
Source for contract info: Elliotte Friedman
Blues offer sheet Broberg at 2 x $4.58M and Holloway at 2 x $2.29M
| POLL | ||
Which RFA do you think the Oilers should be retaining? | ||
| Philip Broberg | 6 | 14.6 % |
| Dylan Holloway | 14 | 34.1 % |
| Keep both | 14 | 34.1 % |
| Let both walk | 7 | 17.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
