Dylan Holloway is on the cusp of establishing himself in the NHL
When you have a lineup full of players who could easily end up in another uniform next season, one player you don’t want to let walk is one who should already be a full-time NHLer. Dylan Holloway fits that criteria, but injuries have set him back.
As a result, Holloway has seen just 83 games in the NHL across two seasons and 32 this year, where he has just four points in 2023-24. But Holloway’s physical style and his puck-stealing ability bring hope that, if he can stay healthy, he will be an integral part of the Oilers in the near future.
Holloway is just 22, and the sheer talent making up Edmonton’s top-six is what will keep him grounded on the lower lines early. Once he’s re-signed this offseason, the clock should start ticking for him to first become part of the Oilers regular lineup before working his way into the top-six as some of the older players phase out in the coming seasons.
Having such a talented group in front of him will give the former 14th overall pick time to grow and develop. Once he’s ready to move up in the lineup, the transition should be seamless, especially since it’s a given that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl should still be in town.