St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong made a bold move by tendering offer sheets to the Edmonton Oilers’ Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. While the two players may not be All-Stars, Armstrong’s intention is clear — he wants to retool the team and make a push for the playoffs. This move comes as no surprise, as Armstrong had previously hinted at the possibility of using offer sheets to improve the roster.
The contracts offered to Broberg and Holloway were carefully designed to maximize the compensation required if the Oilers choose not to match. Broberg’s contract has a maximum dollar amount that would require a second-round draft pick, while Holloway’s contract has a maximum for a third-round pick. Should the Oilers match the offers, they would exceed the salary cap by $7.2 million.
This puts new Oilers GM Stan Bowman in a difficult position. The team already faces salary cap issues, and matching the offers would only add to their complications. The Oilers would need to make additional moves to become cap compliant, potentially involving trades or waivers. There is also uncertainty surrounding winger Evander Kane, who may require surgery and could start the season on long-term injured reserve, providing temporary cap relief.
For the Blues, this move represents a calculated risk. While they could potentially lose a second and third-round pick, they believe Broberg and Holloway have significant growth potential. Both players showed promise in the playoffs, earning the trust of their coaching staff. Additionally, the Oilers’ focus on signing key players to extensions means they may be more willing to part with draft picks to acquire additional assets.
This situation has sparked interest throughout the NHL, as offer sheets are relatively rare in the league. Only two players have switched teams via offer sheets since 2005-06. The outcome of this situation will not only impact the Blues and Oilers but could also set a precedent for future offer sheet negotiations. Hockey fans will be eagerly watching to see how this unfolds in the coming days.
Overall, Armstrong’s decision to tender offer sheets to Broberg and Holloway showcases his determination to improve the Blues’ roster. While there are risks involved, this move could pay off and help propel the team back into playoff contention. Only time will tell if the Oilers choose to match the offers or if the Blues will acquire two promising young players.