Loss to Edmonton Oilers Philip Broberg The offer to the St. Louis Blues, made via an offer form, raised questions about management’s decisions regarding young talent and cap space. Longtime hockey commentator Andy Strickland stated It was surprising that the Oilers would let a player of Broberg’s caliber get away, highlighting the difficulty of finding players with his skill set and the commitment required to develop them.

He wrote:

I don’t want to overdo it, but I’m surprised Edmonton let a 23-year-old Dman with Philip Broberg’s skating ability and overall skills get away. Typically the only way to get these guys is to draft them; they placed him eighth overall and lost him at 23. How good will this guy be at 27?

While Strickland said he didn’t want to put the blame on the Oilers, that’s exactly what he did. And he may be right to do so. The Oilers made a mistake here. Broberg, the former eighth overall pick, wasn’t just valuable as a high-skating defenseman; Early returns in St. Louis suggest he represents a potential cornerstone of Edmonton’s future blue line.

Strickland’s comments highlight the Oilers’ failure to manage Broberg’s development well. From over-maturing him in the AHL to not signing him in December when they probably had the chance, they’ve let the defenseman down to the point where he’s signing imminently. he said in an interview He said he was happy to move on and that it was time for a change.

Currently St. Developing in St. Louis, Broberg proved his worth as a key contributor for the Blues, scoring seven points in nine games.

Oilers Clerk Claims Oilers Had Little Option With Broberg

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal noted that Oilers Now analyst Bob Stauffer had previously pointed out (to the Oilers management at the time) the importance of bringing in young talent like Broberg and others. Dylan Holloway. They didn’t listen. But Staples maintains it’s not entirely the Oilers’ fault.

Broberg was ultimately left out due to Edmonton’s cap restrictions and emphasis on retaining veteran players. Staples leaves room for the idea that the Oilers could take a different route, but noted that includes the Oilers’ decision to prioritize big contracts for veteran players. Connor Brown And Corey Perrypossibly overshadowing a stronger focus on retaining young talent.