Yesterday, OilersNation’s Zach Laing published an intriguing article that delved into the likelihood that the Calgary Flames had additionally focused Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg in the summertime of 2024. Whereas the St. Louis Blues in the end signed each gamers to supply sheets, Laing’s piece raises an interesting query: What if the Flames had efficiently stolen Holloway from the Oilers?
What would the ripple results have been for each groups and the Battle of Alberta? What would this hypothetical state of affairs appear to be? How might this transfer have reshaped the rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary?
The Battle of Alberta Might Have Ramped Up Significantly
This summer season, the Battle of Alberta virtually reached a brand new degree of depth when information broke that the Flames had been one of many groups contemplating issuing a proposal sheet for Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Holloway. Whereas St. Louis in the end ended up signing each Holloway and Philip Broberg, the truth that Calgary was within the combine to poach the 22-year-old winger might’ve drastically altered the rivalry.
In accordance with Laing, Calgary’s curiosity in Holloway was greater than a mere rumor—it was an actual risk. The Flames had been seeking to subject provide sheets for the Oilers’ prime younger prospects, and Holloway was a main goal. This aggressive technique would’ve been a significant headache for the Oilers. Along with the Flames’ skill to weaken Edmonton’s already skinny depth, it might’ve added gas to an already heated rivalry that dates again a long time.
On the time, Holloway’s standing as a high-ceiling participant with untapped potential made him an interesting goal. Calgary noticed an opportunity to grab a participant who might’ve been a key contributor of their top-six for years to return, all whereas taking away a possible future asset from the Oilers.
Would There Have Been Strain on the Oilers to Reply?
Had the Flames efficiently signed Holloway, would the Oilers have been pressured to match the provide sheet and doubtlessly squeeze their wage cap additional? Or would they let Holloway stroll to their provincial rival? With the Oilers already attempting to stability contracts for stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a participant like Holloway—who had proven flashes of brilliance in his restricted NHL expertise—represented a doubtlessly vital piece of their future.
Matching the provide sheet would have been pricey. The Oilers had been already juggling their wage cap to suit key contracts, and including extra monetary stress by committing massive {dollars} to a younger participant might’ve thrown a wrench of their plans. Letting Holloway go, nevertheless, would have felt like a major loss. They’d have misplaced his expertise. However, they might have misplaced within the optics battle by permitting a promising prospect to maneuver to their rival. It could’ve added a layer of urgency and frustration to the Oilers’ offseason—one thing they may sick afford as they pushed all-in on a Stanley Cup run.
The Potential Ripple Impact on Edmonton’s Roster
Had Calgary poached Holloway, it might have additionally jump-started the Flames’ rebuilding efforts and made them a extra reliable menace to Edmonton within the division. The Flames would have been getting a younger, proficient ahead to enrich their present items, whereas the Oilers would have needed to reassess their depth and future outlook. The ripple impact might have modified the course of the Oilers and the Flames seasons.
Holloway has began to search out his rhythm with the St. Louis Blues. With seven targets and 13 factors in 25 video games, he’s changing into a gentle contributor for his new crew, together with a three-game scoring streak during which he racked up three targets and two assists.
Whereas it’s clear that Holloway has the potential to be a key participant within the NHL, Oilers followers are left to surprise: What if Calgary had efficiently signed him? Would he have been capable of carry out at the same degree in Edmonton’s high-powered offense, or would he have flourished extra within the Blues’ system? Extra importantly, how would the lack of Holloway to a division rival have impacted Edmonton’s Stanley Cup aspirations?
Within the Battle of Alberta: Was Holloway a Missed Likelihood for Calgary?
Had the Flames succeeded in poaching Holloway, the rivalry with the Oilers would have taken on an much more private edge. With the Flames including a proficient younger participant to their roster, the Battle of Alberta would’ve been set for an explosive new chapter. Holloway in a Flames jersey would have stoked the flames (no pun supposed) of animosity between the 2 groups, intensifying the already fierce competitors.
Whereas Holloway’s future in St. Louis stays a narrative in progress, Calgary’s missed likelihood to land him left a void that might have shifted the stability of energy within the Pacific Division. Had he joined the Flames, Holloway might’ve turn out to be the breakout star they wanted, placing extra stress on Edmonton. The Battle of Alberta is way from over, however the 2024 summer season drama surrounding Holloway might have made the rivalry even fiercer.
Associated: Oilers’ Offseason Reminder: Purple Sizzling Holloway Returns With Blues
