Shocking report unveils what the Oilers had planned for Philip Broberg

Philip Broberg really caught the attention of Edmonton Oilers fans with his outstanding performance in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The young defenseman, who was picked eighth overall in 2019, had a rocky start but eventually proved his worth, easing any worries about him being a bust.

But, in an unexpected twist to the fans, Philip Broberg won't be sticking around in Edmonton. He signed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Blues by way of an offer sheet, and the Oilers chose not to match the offer. This move surprised some fans, especially given Broberg's potential, but the $4.58 million per year salary likely played a big part in the decision. There could be more going on behind the scenes, though.

Philip Broberg's path to the NHL wasn't exactly smooth. He only played 81 regular-season games and 20 playoff games, which proves that the Oilers were pretty careful with his development. While taking it slow can be good for a young player, it also led to some frustration for Broberg. He ended up asking for a trade back in December, which was a request that made waves at the time but was mostly forgotten about by the offseason.

Even after his playoff breakout, Philip Broberg was still looking for a change, and the Oilers' tight salary cap didn't help matters. The Blues' offer not only gave him a financial boost but also the chance to leave an organization he was ready to move on from. The Oilers simply had no room in their salary cap long-term to ever be able to sign Broberg to a deal. He was likely going to be on his way out at some point, no matter what.

Although the Oilers might miss out on Philip Broberg's potential, his exit could help avoid any locker room drama, letting the team stay focused on their championship goals without any distractions.

Source: The Hockey Writers
Oilers Were Never Going to Keep Broberg Long-Term Based on Report

Source: ESPN
Philip Broberg Stats