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Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway are coming back to Edmonton after the Oilers lost them via offer sheets

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Daniel Lucente
December 7, 2024 (1:06 PM)

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Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway seen celebrating a goal as members of the Edmonton Oilers

Photo credit: TSN video screenshot

Fans in Edmonton knew this day would eventually come, and tonight marks the first time that Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg arrive with the Blues to play.

Dylan Holloway always knew this day would come. On August 13, Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg signed offer sheets that the Edmonton Oilers declined to match a week later.

"I've been thinking about it for a bit. It should be fun."

- Dylan Holloway

The decision marked the end of their time with the team that drafted them in the first round, as both sought more opportunities.

It came after a deep playoff run with Edmonton, one in which they came up just short, losing Game 7 of the Western Conference Final to the Florida Panthers.

Philip Broberg signed a two-year, $9.16 million contract, while Holloway signed a two-year, $4.58 million contract. They'll face their old squad for the first time of the year on Saturday at Rogers Place. Reaction from Edmonton fans to this news has been polarized.

Some see these 23-year-olds as traitors for leaving an organization that invested so much in developing them, while others recognize and sympathize with them because they need expanded roles to grow.

Broberg is having a breakout season with the Blues, playing a career-high 26:51 against Calgary on Thursday and posting 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in just 15 games after missing 12 with a knee injury.

Holloway has found a fit in a top-six role, riding a five-game point streak (four goals, four assists), including a crucial assist on Colton Parayko's overtime winner.

Holloway expects boos when he returns to Edmonton, but his career arc suggests he made the right move.

"I think so. I kind of expect that," Holloway said. "It's a passionate fan base and that's why it was so fun to play there. I've just got to play my game and not let anything affect me, try to play as good as I can. Maybe you notice it at the start but once the adrenaline kicks in and you start playing, you don't really notice it. We'll see though. I've got nothing but love for the city of Edmonton and the fans. I'm sure they're upset with me right now, but I've got nothing but love for them."

As a 2020 14th overall pick, he was fighting for space on a roster that included superstars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

For Broberg, the eighth overall pick in 2019, the situation feels murkier. He never received a consistent opportunity to shine in Edmonton. Both players appear well-placed to prove they've found a better route elsewhere.

Previously on HockeyLatest

New Body Cam Footage of Sean Higgins' Arrest From The Night Of The Tragedy Has Been Released

Maple Leafs star forward gets completely disrespected by Sportsnet regarding Four Nations Faceoff

Jacob Trouba speaks out and reveals he felt threatened by the New York Rangers to waive his no-trade clause

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7 DECEMBRE \| 171 ANSWERS Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway are coming back to Edmonton after the Oilers lost them via offer sheets Are you going to cheer or boo when Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg return?
Cheer	44	25.7 %
Boo	34	19.9 %
Remain neutral	93	54.4 %
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