If their first game of the 2024-25 season was any indicator, the Edmonton Oilers will regret letting Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway go. The two young prospects, both selected in the first round of their respective draft classes, were considered the top two prospects in the Oilers organization just a few months ago.

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That changed in mid-August when the St. Louis Blues signed both restricted free agents to the Leafs. Broberg’s was a two-year deal with a cap hit of $4.58 million, while Holloway’s was also a two-year deal worth $2.29 million. With the Oilers right at the cap, the discussion began about who they would keep. Some were optimistic that they could match both offers, but most recognized that only one would likely last.

Instead, the Oilers shocked the hockey world by failing to match either of them, losing significantly in depth in what was supposed to be a Stanley Cup-or-bust campaign. If both players continue to perform as well as they did Tuesday night in the Blues’ regular-season opener against the Seattle Kraken, the decision to let both go will be viewed as a huge mistake by the Oilers.

Holloway and Broberg help lead the Blues to victory

The game couldn’t have gone better for the Blues last night. Their two new additions not only shone with a goal from Broberg and an assist from Holloway, but they also defeated the Kraken 3-2.

A hot start could indicate that both players are poised for a breakthrough. Last season, Holloway scored nine points in 38 NHL games and 18 in 90 total career games. Broberg only played 12 games in the 2023/24 season and managed two assists.

However, both should have a better chance in St. Louis. Holloway would likely play the final six minutes in Edmonton with no power play time, while Broberg would have started the season as the bottom pair. Instead, Holloway played over 16 minutes against the Kraken, almost five more than he averaged during the 2023-24 season. Broberg logged more than 20 minutes, ranking fourth among all Blues skaters.

The increased minutes aren’t exactly a surprise since both players have a high ceiling. Holloway has long been considered a player who is expected to have a very impressive career, thanks in part to his blistering speed. As for Broberg, there was some doubt that he would make it early due to his slower development, although he is now seen as having potential for a top-four duo thanks to a big breakthrough in the 2024 playoffs.

New roles in St. Louis

While many blame Broberg and Holloway for signing the offer papers in the first place, there was a clear indication last night as to why they did so. Yes, they left a Stanley Cup contender, but they knew their roles would be limited, which could have hindered their development and prevented them from making more money down the road.

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Unfortunately, the Oilers don’t have a lot of young talent in the pipeline, and fans were aware that they had two potential talents in Broberg and Holloway who are now shining in St. Louis. The fact that Edmonton received no significant compensation makes the loss even worse.

Lesson learned for Oilers

The Broberg/Holloway ordeal must be a lesson to Oilers management. Whether you blame Ken Holland, Jeff Jackson or Stan Bowman, it’s confusing, and the two players were left without a contract this late in the offseason and should have found the money to keep at least one of them. If the two young talents continue to play at a high level, frustration among Oilers fans will increase.