Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Holloway was one of the biggest names to watch at training camp this season after signing his entry-level contract and turning pro earlier this year. Now he’ll miss rookie camp and the main training camp after undergoing a second wrist surgery. The Oilers announced that during the recovery process for his previous procedure, which was to repair a scaphoid fracture he suffered during his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin, it was determined that he required further surgery. Holloway will now face a recovery timeline of at least three months.
Still just 19, Holloway was the 14th overall pick in 2020, selected after a good-but-not-great freshman season at Wisconsin. That proved to be quite the pick as he exploded in his second year, scoring 11 goals and 35 points in just 23 games. While he did get some time playing beside college phenom Cole Caufield, it wasn’t a case of being carried by a more effective linemate. Holloway centered the Badgers' second line for most of the season, while Ty Pelton-Byce benefited from the talents of the Montreal Canadiens sniper.
This surgery was a troubling setback for the young forward, who was set to at least make his professional debut in the minor leagues this season, if not the NHL. While there is obviously still plenty of time for him to develop and contribute for the Oilers, missing another three months right now is probably the worst thing that could have happened. Hopefully this latest procedure is the last he’ll need for a while.
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