Blues sign Philip Broberg to six-year extension

Much of that had to do with his usage. He only averaged 12:42 of ice time throughout his tenure in Edmonton, starting most of his shifts in the offensive zone. Despite averaging a fairly solid 54.9% CorsiFor% at even strength, the Oilers never gave Broberg much room to grow.

Due to limited salary cap space, the Oilers delayed contract negotiations with Broberg after his entry-level contract expired following the 2023-24 season. There was speculation that he might receive a more significant role with the team after a strong performance throughout the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. Helping the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006, Broberg finished with two goals and one assist in 10 games with a +8 rating, averaging 15:48 of ice time.

That’s when the Blues stepped in. In a rare move, St. Louis signed Broberg, along with teammate Dylan Holloway, to an offer sheet. The Oilers declined to match either offer, and the Blues acquired both Broberg and Holloway for a few draft picks.

Averaging more than 20 minutes a night throughout his first year with the Blues, Broberg immediately became the defenseman that Edmonton thought he would be when they drafted him. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with eight goals and 29 points in 68 games with a +21 rating. Despite seeing his CF% at even strength drop to a career low, Broberg was exceptional on the defensive side of the puck, finishing with a 93.7% on-ice SV% at even strength.

Much of that has continued this season. Broberg has played in all 45 games for the Blues, and is now averaging more than 23 minutes a night in a top-pairing role. He’s remained an enthusiastic shot blocker and one of the highest-IQ blue liners on the defensive side of the puck.

Although the salary is nearly double what Broberg is already being paid, it’s difficult to argue that he isn’t worth it. In early December, despite suggesting that contract talks hadn’t begun yet, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic speculated that Broberg could earn as high as an $8M salary on his next deal, and that proved exactly right. AFP Analytics projected him a bit lower at $7.3M on a long-term deal.