Philip Broberg has joined the St. Louis Blues courtesy of an offer sheet. Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway were both tendered offer sheets by the Blues last week. The Edmonton Oilers decided to not match the offer sheets to either player. As a result, Holloway and Broberg are now members of the Blues. Now that Broberg is officially a Blue, here we will take a look at his role with the team. This is similar to what we have already done an analysis on for Dylan Holloway.
Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway Join St. Louis Blues
Broberg has only played in 81 NHL games. His career high was 46 in the 2022-23 season. The Oilers have been a team with multiple options to play defence. In addition, the team has been playoff contenders as well. There was just not many opportunities for Broberg to settle into a NHL role.
Broberg Joins the Blues with Short Sample Size
Broberg’s scouting report suggests he would be an asset to the Blues. Broberg is an outstanding skater. He has speed and moves effectively in both directions. The strong-skating allows Broberg to play both ends of the ice effectively. Broberg’s build allows him to create a lot of power and he is able to fight through checks. By doing this, he is able to keep plays alive in the offensive end, as well as stay on his man in the defensive end.
Role With the Blues
Just like with Holloway and the forwards, Broberg joins a Blues team with multiple options for defence. As of now, Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, and newcomer Ryan Suter are guaranteed spots on defence. Due to the team being short on right-handed defenceman, Matthew Kessel can also be assumed to join the lineup.
Broberg’s two-way ability can give the Blues a big boost on defence. The team has not had a left-handed, two-way defender since Jay Bouwmeester. With left-handed Torey Krug possibly missing the entire season, Broberg could be asked to take on a larger role. We may very well see Broberg be on the Blues top pairing to start the season.
While this may seem odd for someone who has only played in 81 games, it is important to understand the Blues left-handed options. Suter is an aging veteran who is past the prime of his career. Having him on the second pairing alongside Faulk is where he needs to be. Pierre-Olivier Joseph does not posses the skill needed for a top pairing. Furthermore, Scott Perunovich and Tyler Tucker have not showed in their small time that they could take on that spot. By process of elimination, Broberg is the answer on the top pairing.
Is it a perfect solution? Absolutely not. It is like Scott Foster having to enter a NHL game as a goaltender. Sometimes you have to roll with what you got. However, it may be the best option the Blues have. Broberg possesses the skills that none of the aforementioned defenceman have. He may only have 81 games under his belt, but he may be the answer.
Thank Goodness for Training Camp
Thankfully, the Blues do not have to experiment with Broberg on the top pair by inserting him into a game. The Blues will, without a doubt, explore the different options they have during the training camp and preseason. However, Broberg should be expected to get one of the first looks at the first pairing. Furthermore, competition within the roster may help identify the right fit. While Broberg does have the skill set, Perunovich is someone who has offensive potential and has been considered to have a bigger role following the Krug injury. The bottom line is, there is still a lot to be determined.
If Not Top Pairing, Where?
Broberg does not have to be on the top pairing to have a role with the Blues. Whether he is playing alongside Parayko, Faulk, or Kessel, Broberg will have the opportunity to showcase his skills. The Blues would love to have play-makers all over their lineup. The best thing Broberg can do is just make the most of his opportunity when it arrives.
Blues Boldness May Help Them
We have not seen an offer sheet tendered since 2021, and these two to Holloway and Broberg were only the 11th and 12th ever. The Blues were bold to try it, but it may be a risk that was worth taking when it is all said and done.
Main photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
