St. Louis Blues' GM Armstrong Fires Back at Reports of Ken Holland Leniency – The Hockey Writers – St Louis Blues

The Edmonton Oilers recently lost two young players, Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, to tender sheets from the St. Louis Blues. When the Oilers went out and acquired Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson in hopes of replacing them, many fans began to question how the Oilers would be able to turn it around and try to make another deep playoff run with such a big change on the line. While the right side of the defense doesn't look as strong as it could be, a diamond-in-the-rough pickup in Emberson will solidify the top four defenders. While bringing back Broberg would help create a defense under the top four, he is someone the team must now move on without and try to strengthen their roster in another way. One question many fans had right away was whether the offer sheets would have been picked up if Ken Holland had been the Oilers' General Manager (GM) instead of Stan Bowman.

Related: Reaction to Oilers' Ceci-for-Emberson Trade

GM's Blues Doug Armstrong spoke about the offer documents after being asked about the “unspoken code” between the parties involved that do not offer free agents (RFAs) and shut down the idea that they only offer contracts because Holland does not exist. Long GM. Armstrong was still adamant that he made these plans with the aim of improving the Blues as he is looking to help build a playoff team for the future. Holloway and Broberg are future assets to emerge soon and may be the players the Blues choose to build around as they exit their rebuild and contend.

Blues Will Miss Playoffs, But Future Looks Bright

Holloway has been included in the Blues' top six, while Broberg may start the season in the top four defense. Holloway and Broberg it's possible that both could have expanded roles with the Blues through the 2024-25 season and a pay raise they wouldn't have received with the Oilers. However, it is unlikely that they will play in the postseason and the Oilers may return there. despite their powerful additions, the Blues don't have what it takes to get into the play-off spot just yet. Armstrong has built a strong squad and the players he has brought in seem determined to help the Blues win, however they will not be involved this season.

With Holloway and Broberg joining the young team, the future looks bright for St. Louis. With Jake Neighbors, Alexey Toropchenko, and Dalibor Dvorksy also being key pieces of the Blues' future, fans should be excited for what's to come. Holloway is a favorite of mine, and has been a pick of the Oilers, but he is not ready to take over the offensive role where he is expected to produce 20 seasons. He has the power to do it, but he is not there yet.

The Blues will try their best to prove everyone wrong, including me, and make the playoffs. Oilers and Blues fans will continue to argue for a while as the offer sheet situation continues to get sour in the mouths of Oilers fans. Fortunately, both Broberg and Holloway got raises that they wouldn't have gotten with the Oilers, more responsibilities, and they got to play in front of a dedicated fan base that loved their team. It is comforting for both players that Armstrong has made it clear that they were not offered contracts for a small reason, but because the Blues are truly committed to developing them and having them as part of their future.