Oilers GM Ken Holland Reveals Thoughts On Potential Broberg Trade

As a former number eight overall selection in the NHL Draft (2019), Philip Broberg has yet to make his mark at the top level. But that doesn't mean that the Edmonton Oilers have given up on him just yet. With the young defensemen's name being caught on the trade rumour mill all season, Oilers GM Ken Holland has now stated clearly that he does not see trading Broberg as a preferable option.

No. I don’t see it. It’s hard to find 6-foot-4 young defencemen.
We’re trying to win. We’re making decisions to win. But behind the scenes in Bakersfield, good things are happening.

Indeed, Broberg is having a tremendous season with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, maturing into the type of D-man the Oilers had envisioned when they made him a top-10 selection. He's logging sometimes close to 30 minutes a night, playing both the power-play and penalty kill, while posting 17 points in his last 25 games.

In fact, writes Daniel Nugent-Bowman in The Athletic, "Holland feels Broberg is NHL-ready now.

"The smooth skating. The composure with the puck. The lanky but chiselled physique," he continues. "Philip Broberg has all the makings of an impactful defenceman at the big-league level — and it’s becoming more apparent by the day."

The problem, of course, is that the Oil currently have a six-man blueline up in Edmonton that has helped lead the team to a recent 16-game win streak, and Broberg remains the 7th D at the moment.

But if we take Holland at his word, trading him is not in the cards—not if he can help it.

For now, Broberg will sit out a few games with a minor injury.

#LetsGoOilers prospect Philip Broberg will miss the next two @Condors games with a lower-body injury, according to HC Colin Chaulk.

"We're hoping it's a week to 10-day type of thing."

Broberg has 19 points in 29 #AHL games this season, playing on both special teams units.
— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) February 13, 2024