It has only been three games, but defenceman Philip Broberg has had a strong start to his St. Louis Blues career. The native from Sweden has recorded a point in three straight games to open the season. While it is still early, it seems the Blues may have a long-term solution on defence.
The Problem that Needs a Solution
It has been three and a half seasons since the Blues last had a true two-way, left-handed defenceman who could play on the top defensive pair. That defenceman was Jay Bouwmeester, whose NHL career ended after a cardiac event in February 2020. That left the Blues with a hole to fill.
A few defencemen have gotten opportunities to fill the void. The most notable has been Torey Krug. However, while Krug did contribute to the Blues offence his first few seasons with the team, he is nowhere close to Bouwmeester when it came to defence. Besides Krug, Scott Perunovich, Nick Leddy, Marco Scandella, Tyler Tucker, and Calle Rosen have been left-handed defencemen used by the Blues. However, the hill has yet to be filled.
Bold Move Provided Another Option
In August, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong acquired Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway in a rare and bold move, tendering offer sheets to both players. Once Broberg officially joined the Blue Note, fans wondered about his role, and whether or not he could fill the left-handed, two-way, role.
Broberg’s scouting report says yes he can. 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.
This is exactly what made Bouwmeester such an effective two-way defenceman. He could defend on one side of the ice then help carry the puck into the offensive zone on a transition. Broberg’s scouting report definitely shows similarities to the 2019 Stanley Cup Champion.
More Good Things in Season-Opening Road Trip
Broberg recorded a goal and two assists on the season-opening road trip. In addition, there were other things that suggest he can be the long-term solution. He uses his 6’3″ frame to his advantage. He will reach out with his stick to disrupt plays in the defensive zone. Furthermore, he skates very well and has created opportunities that have led to goals.
An example of how Broberg’s skating creates chances can be found in the Blues game Friday night. Broberg picked up a loose puck in the defensive zone. He carried it near the middle of the ice and passed it to Jordan Kyrou, who in turn passed it to Pavel Buchnevich, who scored. When one watches the replay of the goal, Buchnevich’s beautiful backhand goal or even Kyrou’s speed will stand out. However, it is important to understand that Broberg carrying the puck out of the defensive zone is what allowed that play to happen. If Broberg cannot maintain possession of the puck, then the goal does not happen.
When you view the clip of the goal, you will not see Broberg’s pass. However, the clip starts at the point where Kyrou receives the pass. This can help illustrate how Broberg set up the goal.
That was nastyyyyyy. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/wIxiPWpzzV
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 12, 2024
Is Broberg the Solution?
With only three games under his belt, we cannot say whether or not Broberg is the solution to the two-way, left-handed defenceman problem. However, the scouting report shows potential. In addition, the three games he has played suggests it is possible.
The upcoming week will provide Broberg will three more opportunities to showcase what he provides for the Blues. The Blues will face three teams with three elite scorers, Kirill Kaprizov, Sebastian Aho, and Mathew Barzal. It will be interesting to see how Broberg matches up defensively against these scorers. Furthermore, it will be interesting to see what scoring chances he can help create following stands in the defensive end.
Main Photo Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images
