ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Blues made headlines today by signing defenseman Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway to two-year contracts. This move came after the Edmonton Oilers chose not to match the offer sheets for these restricted free agents.

Broberg’s contract totals $9.16 million, and Holloway’s is $4.58 million. In exchange, the Blues sent second- and third-round picks to Edmonton.

The Oilers, facing salary cap constraints, decided to part ways with their two youngest players despite recent roster moves. This decision followed St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong’s aggressive move to offer sheets to Broberg and Holloway, a rare occurrence in the NHL.

Broberg and Holloway now join the Blues after the Oilers’ deep playoff run. Broberg, 23, was a standout player during the Stanley Cup Final, while 22-year-old Holloway made significant contributions with five playoff goals. The Oilers’ decision not to retain them represents a gamble for new GM Stan Bowman, who is aiming to lead Edmonton to championship success.

This bold move by the Blues marks a shift in the NHL landscape, where offer sheets have become increasingly rare. The last unmatched offer sheet before Broberg and Holloway was in 2021, demonstrating the significance of this transaction.

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