The writing appears to be on the wall for the young Edmonton Oilers prospects.
The writing appears to be on the wall for the young Edmonton Oilers prospects.
EDMONTON -- Every team needs players with inexpensive contracts to take on big roles in order for the club to be successful.
Sometimes, an organization can put more trust in some young players more than others. That appears to have happened with the Edmonton Oilers and two of their top young players - Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.
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Broberg was slated to be an NHL regular this season - that has been far from the case. The 6-foot-4 212lbs defenseman only played 10 games with the Oilers, only managing to play more than 13 minutes on three occasions.
He's been playing excellent in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors. Playing on the top pairing and getting minutes in all situations. He could have been an incredible value contract for the NHL team.
But going 2-9-1 to open the season put a damper on things - and a desperate coach didn't give him a long enough leash to find his game.
Holloway has faired better than Broberg thus far - he's at least still in the NHL lineup. But he's only averaged 11:03 of ice time this season in 31 games played.
His injury didn't help his case, as he was playing his best hockey this year when it happened. Holloway isn't afraid to be physical and drive play to the net - that's where he's been scoring this year.
With the Stanley Cup in their sights - Ken Holland and company are dangling assets to boost their chances of attaining hockey's ultimate goal.
Broberg and Holloway may very well be two such assets.
One Player Agent told The Hockey News, "[Holloway] would be a regular on most teams." He also mentioned his belief that a team with Cup aspirations isn't the best place for a player like Broberg.
"I just don't see a situation where Broberg is in Edmonton with those goals (Stanley Cup). It's no place for a young kid."
The team doesn't have much of a choice - those two are the best prospects in their system. At least the best ones who could expedite a rebuild quicker than acquiring a draft pick would.
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The next four days will determine the fate of these two young players. If you were to ask me, I'd bet that at least one of them is gone by Saturday. You need to give a lot to get a lot - Holloway and Broberg may have to be what the Oilers give in order to go for broke this year.
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