Philip Broberg gets another chance to show the Oilers what he can do
The Edmonton Oilers will reportedly recall Philip Broberg for the final three games of the NHL regular season, giving him the chance to prove himself.
By Paul Taylor
There are differing opinions about Philip Broberg. For some, he is a defenceman with the potential to be a top four pairing, or even top two pairing; for others, he is a top prospect who is a draft bust.
The latter is understandable, in respect of Broberg's perceived lack of development after being selected eighth overall in the 2019 draft. However, this doesn't mean the Oilers organisation has given up on him yet, even allowing for the fiasco earlier this season when his agent was apparently asking for or granted -- depending on what you believe -- permission to seek a trade.
In this respect, as per Jim Parsons of NHL Trade Talk, the Oilers will apparently recall the 22-year-old for the final three regular season games of the 2023-24 campaign, to give him a look. In truth, he has earned this opportunity.
With enough cap space remaining, this is something the Oilers can do without a need to make any other roster moves. This aside though, it's all about the team seeing if Broberg is someone they believe can help them during the upcoming playoffs.
A deserving opportunity for Broberg
Along these lines, the left-shot defenceman more than deserves this chance, due to how he has performed for the Condors. During his time in Bakersfield this season, he has produced career highs with 48 games, five goals, 29 assists and 34 overall points -- as well as a +9 rating -- in helping the Condors secure a playoff berth for the fifth consecutive season. (Just one of two AHL Pacific Division teams to achieve this over the time period in question.)
As much as Broberg's production with the Condors is promising, it's important to note why he was back in the AHL in the first place. The reality is he did essentially nothing as an offensive defenceman with the Oilers earlier this season, with zero points in 10 games and the team getting to a stage where he had his lowest average ice time in three seasons of NHL action, at 10:32.
Following the Oilers' 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night, their hopes at the Pacific Division are effectively finished. At the same time they have secured home-ice advantage for their first round playoff series, hence why coach Kris Knoblauch can afford to give Broberg an opportunity over the final three regular season games.
Next. A look at where things stand in the Pacific Division. A look at where things stand in the Pacific Division. dark
The Orebro, Sweden native undoubtedly has the talent; it's just a case of whether or not he can fulfil his potential with the Oilers (or indeed anywhere in the NHL). The final regular season games versus the San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes, and Colorado Avalanche will at least provide him with an opportunity, even if it doesn't provide definitive proof either way.
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