Edmonton Oilers

Holloway Reveals Oilers Admitted News that Pushed Him to Blues

Dylan Holloway spoke recently about his decision to leave the Edmonton Oilers and what pushed him to sign an offer sheet this summer.

by
Jim Parsons
January 15, 2025

Dylan Holloway’s decision to leave the Edmonton Oilers this past offseason was not entirely in his control. He did have to sign the offer sheet that allowed the Blues to make a pitch for his services. But, it was up to the Oilers about whether they wanted to match. It sounds like Holloway was quietly hoping they wouldn’t.

The big reason he signed and gave the Blues a chance to steal him away: opportunity.

"It felt like my only way out."

Dylan Holloway discusses offer sheets and leaving Edmonton for St. Louis. @BauerHockey pic.twitter.com/F58p6UwcY8
— What Chaos! (@WhatChaosShow) January 15, 2025

During a recent episode of the What Chaos! podcast, Holloway acknowledged that the Oilers essentially told him there wasn’t going to be a prime spot available on their roster. He explained: “Just going off what Edmonton was telling me, it didn’t seem like I was going to get a ton of opportunity.” He added, “I felt there was more opportunity here in St. Louis. I knew it wasn’t going to just be handed to me, but I knew I’d have to earn it.”

The Blues offered Holloway a two-year, $2.29-million AAV offer sheet deal. It was more money than the Oilers would have paid to keep him, but it was likely less about the money than the chance to show what he could do. And show everyone he has.

The 23-year-old forward has thrived in St. Louis, tallying 15 goals and 32 points in his first 44 games. He’s been a staple on the Blues’ second line alongside Brayden Schenn and Jordan Kyrou, ranking second among Blues forwards in goals and third in points.

The Oilers Didn’t Realize What They Had in Holloway

Holloway’s frustrations with the Oilers were warranted. Drafted 14th overall in 2020, he was all over the place in terms of where he was playing, in part because of injuries. He couldn’t stay healthy enough to be more than a regular AHLer when he played, and it wasn’t until last season that he secured himself a regular role in the NHL. By then, the Oilers had already made up their minds.

Missing the Stanley Cup by one game and two goals, management felt an upgrade was needed in the top six and they wanted something more “guaranteed.” Then acting GM Jeff Jackson signed both Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner. The hope was he was adding 40-50 goals to the roster.

Dylan Holloway Blues forward talks his exit from the Oilers

What the Oilers didn’t realize was that Holloway alone was probably good for 20-25.

Now, in St. Louis, Holloway is showing that the Oilers made a mistake by not prioritizing an extension and making him feel valued. “You wanna make your mark, grow, and learn how to play the game at the NHL level. That comes with opportunity, and I’m thankful for that opportunity in St. Louis.”

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