3 teams the Oilers must call regarding Philip Broberg at the trade deadline
Philip Broberg’s time with the Edmonton Oilers could come to a close at the trade deadline, and there are a few teams who should be interested.
Former high-end draft picks are always sought after around the trade deadline, often from non-contending teams if those picks aren’t finding their niche in the NHL with a contender. Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg is one of those players, and it’s been rumored that he has no interest in staying in the organization for a few months.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Oilers should look to use Broberg as potential trade bait for a non-contending team as part of an overall package if they make a move by March 8th. Teams all over the league who won’t play more than 82 games this season with a valuable or even an under-the-radar trade piece to move could clamor for Broberg if they are looking for a high-potential asset on the blue line.
Just because it doesn’t look like things will work out for the former first-round pick in Edmonton, it doesn’t mean that will be the case elsewhere. Since Broberg is a young, unproven player who will be a restricted free agent this summer, there is little risk here if an organization wants to bring him in.
The NHL’s worst teams must call the Oilers to inquire about Philip Broberg
Broberg hasn’t seen ice time in the NHL since November 22nd, and he has just 79 games of NHL experience over the past three seasons. Hardly anything about his game has stuck out throughout his career, but judging from his possession metrics, there is a case to be made that he can transform into a decent puck mover in time.
Broberg’s offensive zone starting percentage at 5-on-5 sat at 47.5 percent across 10 games this season, with a 47.3 percent Corsi For Percentage plus a 48.3 Fenwick For. While this is a small sample size, it shows potential Broberg can play a role in helping a team drive pucks from the defensive zone and find ways to make plays when in possession of the puck.
The Anaheim Ducks have a sound opportunity to take a chance on Broberg
Adam Henrique’s presence in the rumor mill and the fact he would make an excellent fit with the Oilers is one reason the Ducks could have an easy time bringing Broberg to Southern California. Since it’s inevitable that the Oilers will look for a partner to deal Broberg, sending him to Anaheim as part of a package for Henrique would be the ultimate win-win situation.
The Ducks are in rebuilding mode, so it would be easier for Broberg to find a spot on the team for a full season as opposed to being expected to thrive on an already tough Oilers unit. Even if Edmonton went through a rough patch when Broberg was in town this season, the Oilers have made it clear they are still a great hockey team.
This means lower expectations for Broberg, and he can sidle in and grow with a team that will keep getting younger next season. Since the Ducks have also struggled defensively, Broberg could set himself up as a difference-maker next year and secure a spot in Anaheim for the long run.
While the Ducks would be an ideal scenario for the 22-year-old, there may be another team in transition in the Eastern Conference that may be a better fit.
The rebuilding Columbus Blue Jackets could take a chance on Broberg
It’s clear that Philip Broberg will be a project, so what better way to kickstart a new era than acquiring a former first-round pick with high potential?
Earlier this month, the Blue Jackets handed general manager Jarmo Kekalainen his walking papers, signifying much-needed change for an organization that needs one. Luckily for the Blue Jackets, they have a solid prospects pool, so it’s not like this team needs to tear everything down and rebuild from scratch.
Even if that was the case, it doesn’t mean Broberg would be behind the eight-ball in the Buckeye State should the Blue Jackets phone the Oilers and strike a deal.
Columbus has a pair of young blueliners they are looking to exchange, so the Oilers have more than a valid reason to speak with the Blue Jackets. Should the two teams swap defensemen, with Edmonton understandably giving up more assets than just Broberg, don’t be surprised if you see him take the ice in Columbus before the 2023-24 season ends.
With a player seeking a new outlook along with an organization that is also looking for one, a trade between Edmonton and Columbus regarding Broberg would make everyone better off.
San Jose Sharks will be major sellers, but they could also buy high-potential building blocks
Nobody is projected to sell more at the trade deadline than the San Jose Sharks, as the 2023-24 season has been a struggle since the puck dropped for the opening game in October. The Sharks predictably haven’t pulled off a miracle run, so look for them to collect high-potential prospects throughout trade deadline season.
Edmonton could easily have its eyes on someone from San Jose, whether it’s Mike Hoffman, Anthony Duclair, or even Kaapo Kahkonen. If the Oilers open trade talks with Sharks general manager Mike Grier, Broberg’s name would almost certainly come up in the discussion.
As with the cases in Anaheim and Columbus, San Jose would be a great fit for Broberg simply because he would have a legitimate chance to play full-time, including the remainder of the current season.
Of the three teams listed, the Sharks are probably the furthest behind in their respective rebuilds. So Broberg’s potential window of showing that he belongs could be the largest should he end up with the organization.
And if there is a team that needs help defensively and with puck movement - as Broberg’s metrics implied earlier in this piece, it’s San Jose. As of February 21st, they have allowed 211 goals in 55 contests, good for a whopping 3.83 per game.
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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference as of February 21st)