Is It Best For The Oilers To Just Let Holloway And Broberg Walk?

After the moves the Edmonton Oilers made this past weekend, it is entirely possible that they could let both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway walk. With the team’s trades and the salary cap issues this team has, the futures of these two young players are up in the air. The Oilers have a tough choice to make today. Should they invest to keep Broberg and Holloway, or is it time to move on?

The Case for Moving On

The Oilers have made several offseason moves aimed at strengthening their core for a deep playoff run. These moves backed up the fact the Oilers are focused on winning now, with less patience for players still finding their footing in the NHL. Both Broberg and Holloway have shown flashes of potential, but neither has made an impact on a constant basis.

Broberg, a defenseman known for his skating, has struggled to secure a regular spot in the Oilers’ lineup. With the team’s defense becoming more experienced and competitive, Broberg has been seen as expendable, but with the flare in the Cup Finals he has now become a player could potentially help this team, but at the current price tag it could be a tough pill to swallow.

Holloway, a forward with a blend of speed and grit, has also had a tough time securing a consistent role on a roster packed with offensive talent. While he has the tools to become a solid NHL player, the Oilers might not have the luxury of waiting for him to fully develop, particularly as they aim to capitalize on their current championship window.

The Risk of Letting Them Go

On the other hand, moving on from Broberg and Holloway could be a decision the Oilers come to regret. Both players have shown glimpses of what they could become with more time and opportunity. Broberg’s skating ability and vision are rare assets for a defenseman, and Holloway’s physical playstyle is something every team values. Letting them walk might leave the Oilers without the depth and youthful energy that can be crucial in a long playoff run.

There’s also the risk that these players could thrive elsewhere. The Oilers have a history of trading away young talent that went on to succeed with other teams. If Broberg or Holloway were to break out after leaving Edmonton, it could leave the team wondering what could have been. Developing homegrown talent is essential for long-term success in the NHL, and the Oilers need to weigh those options out.

Deciding whether to part ways with Broberg and Holloway is a significant decision for the Oilers. It would signal that the team is all-in on winning now, even at the risk of losing out on two promising young players. While there are strong arguments for both keeping them and letting them go, the Oilers must carefully consider what’s best for the team’s present and future. Balancing the urgency of a championship push with the need to develop young talent is never easy, but it’s a decision that could shape the Oilers’ trajectory for years to come.