Earlier today, Stan Bowman and the Edmonton Oilers announced that they would not be matching the offer sheets that the St. Louis Blues directed towards Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
Overall, it was a difficult decision for the Oilers but it was pretty well guaranteed given the team's horrendous salary cap situation. Immediately following the move, the Oilers and the Blues made a pretty inconsequential trade, that left some fans shaking their heads. Either way, it is clear that Bowman is remaining active right now.
Bowman even had a virtual press conference with reporters, where he spoke about the decision to let Broberg and Holloway walk. As you will see in the clip below, he attempts to justify the difficult decision.
Based on the team's circumstances, there really wasn't much else that the team could do. Their hands are completely tied, and with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid in need of extensions, there is no doubt that this will continue to be an issue for the team, moving forward.
"This came down to a business decision, relative to our short-term as well as our long-term viability for our roster with the salary cap."
Full Press Conference
It will be interesting to see what Stan Bowman decides to do next here. What we do know, however, is that it is not going to be an easy path forward. Although if there is anyone who knows how to handle such situations, it would be Bowman.
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