Locker room reason why Edmonton Oilers let both RFAs walk in offer sheets

According to a recent article from Mark Spector on Sportsnet, the Oilers are asking their star players in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid to shave off a few million of their salary to build a competitive roster, and they can't undo that process by overpaying unproven NHL players.

Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway were being offered deals in the $1M range by the Edmonton Oilers, a salary that would've fit perfectly for two developing players making their way on a cup-contending team.

The Blues essentially doubled both of their salaries, making it impossible for the Oilers to justify to pay them - especially while asking others to take discounts. Philip Broberg in particular had only played 81 NHL career games, and while he looked primed for a breakout, paying him $4.58M on a veteran team would be impossible.

It's difficult to see these two players go after the Oilers spent years developing them into the players they are today, but not matching the offer sheets was the best decision they could've made. They've not obtained some assets back and some decent young replacement players, and through the year, they'll be able to target an impact player to add as a rental in trade.

Source for all Statistics: HockeyDB