The St. Louis Blues have made a major commitment to a former Edmonton Oilers prospect, locking down defenceman Philip Broberg to a substantial long-term contract. The deal, first reported by Puck Empire, is for six years and carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million, totaling $48 million.
A Rising Star Rewarded
This contract comes on the heels of Broberg's recent selection to Team Sweden for international competition, a notable achievement that saw him beat out veteran Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm for a spot. This selection is a clear testament to the significant development in Broberg's game over the past few years, validating the Oilers' decision to select him eighth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
The Swedish blueliner's journey to this payday was not without drama. In the summer of 2024, Broberg, reportedly unhappy with his situation in Edmonton, signed an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues. The Oilers ultimately chose not to match, allowing him to depart alongside forward Dylan Holloway, who also left via offer sheet. This double departure is widely viewed as a substantial setback and a managerial misstep for the Oilers franchise.
Edmonton's Response and Replacement Strategy
In response to losing Broberg, the Edmonton Oilers front office moved swiftly to acquire a replacement, trading a first-round draft pick to bring in defenceman Jake Walman. Early returns suggest the trade has been beneficial for Edmonton, with Walman effectively stepping into the role Broberg vacated.
Similarly, the hole left by Dylan Holloway's exit appears to have been filled admirably by Vasily Podkolzin, who has impressed Oilers management and fans with his strong play. These moves have softened the immediate blow of the offseason losses.
The Long-Term Outlook: Broberg vs. Walman
The next six years will serve as an intriguing comparison between Broberg in St. Louis and Walman in Edmonton. Analysts suggest Walman may hold the edge in the short term due to his more immediate snap, attacking prowess, and physical defensive play.
However, the long-term bet likely favours Broberg, who is just entering his prime athletic years. His most distinguished attribute is his superior skating ability, a foundational skill that could see him develop into a top-pairing defenceman for the Blues as the contract progresses.
A critical factor for both players, as with any professional athlete, will be their ability to stay healthy throughout the demanding NHL schedule. Their respective performances will be closely watched by fans in both Edmonton and St. Louis, as this contract saga continues to unfold on the ice.
