Edmonton Oilers Send Down Broberg, Recall Gleason

Oct 6, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Ben Gleason (6) watches the play against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Ben Gleason (6) watches the play against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

The Edmonton Oilers have made a predictable roster move, with the recall of defenceman Ben Gleason from the Bakersfield Condors and the loan of defenceman Philip Broberg to Bakersfield. This move was one that many should have seen coming considering the recent news regarding Broberg.

Many fans may be excited to see what Gleason can bring to the table. The 25-year-old defenceman has had a solid season with the Condors so far, putting up 9 points in 14 games. He had a solid training camp this season and that is why I am not surprised to see him be the guy called up.

On the other hand, people might be disappointed to see Broberg sent down to Bakersfield. The 22-year-old defenceman was a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL draft and has shown a lot of promise in his short time with the Oilers. He’s a big, strong player who can skate well and has a good shot from the point. Many fans were hoping to see Broberg get more ice time with the Oilers this season, but with the way the lineup shakes down, there was no space for him.

That is the main reason for this move in my opinion to get Broberg lots of ice time. So far this season in his 10 games played he has averaged 10:31 of ice time. That just isn’t enough time for a player to develop. So sending him to Bakersfield is good for Broberg, even if he wants to be traded.

It’s hard to say what these roster moves mean for the Oilers and Broberg in the long run. Gleason could be a great addition to the team, but he’s still an unproven player at the NHL level. Broberg, meanwhile, has a lot of potential but may need more time to develop in the minors. Only time will tell whether these moves will pay off for the Oilers, but fans are certainly eager to see what happens next.