St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong shocked the hockey world earlier this week by announcing that the team had extended offers to defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers.
While this was a smart move by Armstrong, who potentially signed two young players from the roster in the hope that they could become key members of the franchise in the future, the announcement may have caused unrest among other Blues players about their place in the roster.
The Oilers have until August 20 to beat St. Louis’ offer for both players, and perhaps some members of the organization are secretly hoping that happens.
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Below we discuss some roster players whose spots on the roster could be in jeopardy if Edmonton fails to match both offer sheets.
First, let’s take a look at the backend and how the signing of Philip Broberg (a long-time NHL veteran and a young, offensively adept defenseman) plays out.
Broberg has yet to establish himself as a full-time NHL player, but he performed well when he was named to the Oilers’ lineup en route to the Stanley Cup Final.
Plus, St. Louis wouldn’t offer him $4.5 million a year just to put pressure on Edmonton to keep up. The organization obviously believes Broberg is ready for that next step, and in a Blues uniform.
Now let’s assume that St. Louis is without Torey Krug for most (or all) of the season due to his ankle injury. Broberg could take his spot in the top four on the left side, playing with either Colton Parayko or Justin Faulk.
This move would push 26-year-old defenseman Scott Perunovich back once again, which could frustrate the former top talent.
Should that happen, Perunovich would alternatively compete for the third pair role against experienced Ryan Suter, who seems to be the perfect partner and mentor for young right-handed shooter Matthew Kessel.
Broberg’s move to the St. Louis Blues will significantly strengthen the team’s defensive strength, but left backs Perunovich, Suter and PO. Joseph will have to fight a three-way battle to keep their place on the roster.
This also assumes that Matthew Kessel keeps his spot on the team’s third pair. He has the luxury of being a right-handed shooter compared to the others.
Now let’s come to the front core.
Edmonton will likely outbid the Blues’ offer for Dylan Holloway as it is not that high, but if they decide to trade their former first-round pick to the St. Louis Blues, the battle to stay in the bottom six will be intense.
If Holloway can improve his offensive output, he will become a much stronger all-around striker for the middle six. He is a coach’s dream, unmatched in his competitiveness and willing to adapt his game to whatever role the team needs.
His speed fits well with Mathieu Joseph and Alexandre Texier. This could become the Blues’ third line in the 2024/25 season, which would be a reinforcement for the team.
If this dream were to come true in real life, the newly acquired Radek Faksa would drop to the fourth-line center position and Alexey Toropchenko would move back to the fourth line, leaving a spot open for Oskar Sundqvist, Kasperi Kapanen, Nathan Walker, Zachary Bolduc or Dalibor Dvorsky.
See also: Dalibor Dvorsky: “It’s all up to me”
Signing Holloway effectively means top prospects Bolduc and Dvorsky will have to blow St. Louis away in training camp to earn a spot on the roster. Both seem eager and ready to make that jump, but signing another forward makes that more difficult.
Injuries happen and having a surplus of substitutes ready to step in is a luxury every team wants. Unfortunately, it can disappoint players just when they feel like they’re ready to take the next step. You just have to give them the chance.
The organization will be thrilled if the Oilers don’t undercut the offer and Broberg and Holloway are wearing St. Louis jerseys in October.
Unfortunately, other members of the organization may begin to worry about their spot on the roster, making training camp even more important to them.
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