Amid Trade Buzz, Oilers Loan Broberg to AHL and Recall Gleason

** Update: Dec 7, 2023: 1:05 pm EST

The Edmonton Oilers have sent Philip Broberg down to the AHL and recalled Ben Gleason. As Bob Stauffer writes, “Broberg will see plenty of ice time (22-24 Mins/Game) with the Condors. Gleason had a stellar pre-season with the Oilers and has 2-7-9/14GP/+5 in Bakersfield.”

🔁 #Oilers roster moves 🔁

🔹Defenceman Ben Gleason has been recalled from the @Condors
🔸Defenceman Philip Broberg has been loaned to Bakersfield. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/rDQ3NWzzNS

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 7, 2023

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When word of a trade request leaks, one of two things often happens. Either the player either gets a chance to prove himself and is inserted into the lineup. Alternatively, that player is benched, often punished for letting the trade chatter get out. For the Edmonton Oilers and Philip Broberg, it’s somewhere in the middle. The team isn’t upset with him, but he’s not going to play. It sounds like it will be business as usual.

The Oilers remain resolute in their defensive lineup strategy despite the swirl of speculation surrounding the defenseman. Coach Kris Knoblauch likes his current defensive unit, emphasizing the success seen over the last five games. With Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, and Brett Kulak on the left side, Knoblauch has no intention of changing things up.

Meanwhile, Broberg waits, likely to be sent to the AHL today. “I know when he gets that opportunity and gets to play, he’ll get to show that he can play. Unfortunately, the situation right now is he is our seventh guy,” Knoblauch said. He added that getting him ice time is important.

Broberg has consistently occupied the seventh defenseman role. He’s either not played or played extremely limited minutes. Coach Knoblauch knows it’s an unfortunate situation, but all six defenders who are currently in the lineup have been better, including Vincent Desharnais, his closest competition.

The situation leaves Broberg in limbo, awaiting a decision on his future with the Oilers. In the absence of a teammate injury, a change of scenery for the defenseman seems likely in the near future. Fellow players offer advice to Broberg, urging him to persevere, keep working, and trust in his potential to become a formidable presence in the league.

There Is Interest in Broberg From Around the NHL

Recent reports suggested that Broberg is seeking a trade, but the Oilers have denied granting said request. They’ve also not made him available for comment. Sources indicate that Broberg’s departure from the Oilers is imminent, with significant interest from other teams in the league.

As the trade talks unfold, Broberg continues to sit. Going down to the AHL would at least allow him to play fruitful minutes and get playing time. It also keeps him ready in the event of an injury in Edmonton.

Next: Balking at Big Broberg Trade in 2022 Could Cost Oilers Now