Oilers deliver decision on offer sheets right at the headline

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Liam McCormick
August 20, 2024 (7:09)

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Last week, things got complicated for the Oilers when the St. Louis Blues signed their two RFAs to offer sheets, and now they've made their decision.

The Edmonton Oilers will not be matching either off sheet, meaning both Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg will be joining the St. Louis Blues. In compensation, the Oilers will receive a second and third round draft pick. The deadline for the Oilers to match was this morning at 10:30.

After not matching Broberg and Holloway, the Edmonton Oilers will have cap space for the upcoming season and will gain some assets to make another trade. They've already acquired Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson in the last two days, and they won't be done yet. Looking at their expected opening night roster now, the Oilers should try to trade for a real top four defenceman during next season - perhaps at the trade deadline.

The Oilers replacements for Broberg and Holloway don't have the same potential as prospects, but they're quality young players in their own right. Neither Broberg or Holloway have played a full year in the NHL, and it'd be especially hard to stomach paying Broberg $4.58M this season with only 81 career games played. Not only that, but their higher salaries would complicate next season as well when the Oilers need to pay Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard.

Also of interesting note, Elliotte Friedman mentioned that in-season cap flexibility will be a priority for the Oilers this season, meaning they may be targeting another larger trade or a high-impact trade deadline deal.

It's tough to lose two promising young players and recent first round draft picks of the team, but the Oilers are making the only possible choice by letting both players walk. At the end of the day, they both decided to walk to sign the offer sheets and leave their chance at a Stanley Cup - which the Oilers will still obviously be competing for without Broberg and Holloway.

Source for all salary info: PuckPedia - Oilers