Situation between Oilers and First-round Pick gets Worse with Latest Development

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TJ Tucker
December 6, 2023 (12:26)

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An odd situation is shaping up in Edmonton, and it makes you wonder whether the team needs some better internal communication.

It came out earlier today that Phillip Broberg, the Edmonton Oilers first-round pick, 8th overall, in 2019, had asked for, and had been granted the permission to seek a trade.

"Understand the #Oilers granted permission for Philip Broberg's camp to seek a trade. Sounds like there has been solid interest on that front."

"Edmonton isn't interested in getting a pick back, they'd like a player. So you'll have to likely find a player in a similar situation."

However, since this news broke, Ken Holland spoke to TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug and said he did no such thing, something Broberg's agent seems to disagree with.

"Ken Holland says he has NOT granted permission for Darrin Ferris to shop for a Broberg trade.

Holland - "I have not granted permission to Derrin to shop Broberg"

Ferris response

"This matter reflects both my and my client's frustration with the Oilers. I'm actively collaborating with Ken to address and resolve the issue privately."

As Rishaug points out, this is a terrible look for a GM who hasn't looked very good all year long.

"Clearly there are major issues here between this 1st rnd pick and the organization. They have spoken multiple times in recent days, things seem to have boiled over with today's development."

Broberg has played 10 games with Edmonton this season, but his last one was on November 22nd. He's been in the AHL for the last four games. He's clearly not happy about it. I'm sure this won't help at all.