Report surfaces that Edmonton was not considering keeping Philip Broberg long term

Philip Broberg was drafted 8th overall for Edmonton but reports are surfacing that he was not in the long-term plans for the Oilers because he was ready to move on.

There was some hype around Broberg after an impressive 10 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this last post-season. But during the off-season the Edmonton fan base went from excitement to disappointment when an offer sheet was given by the Blues for a two-year deal worth $4.58 a year.

The offer was never matched by the Oilers, and it appears there is more than money involved in that decision. It took time for the 2019 pick to turn into the rising star he could be. He only played in 81 total regular season games and 20 playoff games since being drafted.

The Oilers were patient with him and giving plenty of time for him to get NHL ready. The issue was the player himself. It is easy to forget that Broberg requested a trade in December of last season because he was apparently unhappy with the slow progression.

After his playoff performance that request seemed a thing of the past. But according to Elliotte Friedman in his 32 thoughts column, Broberg never forgot that he was looking to move on.

Assuming he did want to move on still, coupling that with the need to take a discount on his contract for the Oilers cap space, Broberg was most likely a sure thing to leave Edmonton.

One thing is for sure, it is best to move on from players who do not want to be in the locker room. With the Oilers still in contention for the Cup this upcoming season, that negative energy would not be helpful.

It is not all on Broberg, he was probably ready to be a full-time defenseman for the 2023-24 season. With that said, the Oilers are ready to move forward with the pick they received for him and build for the future without him.

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

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