Oilers defenceman has trade request resurface, move seeming likely

After signing an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues, one NHL insider is reporting that this might be Broberg's trade request resurfacing in a way. Elliotte Friedman thinks that Broberg never officially rescinded the request, and still wants to get more opportunity elsewhere - like with the Blues.

Friedman believes that the Edmonton Oilers are more likely to match the offer sheets for Dylan Holloway, and let Philip Broberg leave the organization. However, his wording suggests that the Oilers could actually match the offer sheet for Broberg anyway and then trade him for more assets than they would receive in compensation - only a second round pick. Many NHL scouts reportedly believe Brobedg could be a top-pairing defenceman, and perhaps could fetch more in a trade.

Broberg is a little blocked from getting real ice time with the Oilers with the presence of Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse on the left side, and if the player is truly unhappy, a move will be inevitable. It's unfortunate to lose a quality prospect to this situation, especially with the Oilers pressed so tightly against the salary cap, but it may be a tough reality. In retrospect, the Oilers maybe should've done more to commit to keeping Broberg long term earlier this year.

Source: OilerAlert on X