Brian Lawton, a former NHL general manager and prominent player agent, strongly believes that the Edmonton Oilers should match the $4.6 million annual offer for Philip Broberg. In an interview with Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now, Lawton emphasized his conviction about retaining Broberg, despite differing opinions on the matter. He underscored the importance of strong defensive players, particularly for a high-powered team like Edmonton. According to Lawton, a team must have solid defense to effectively control games and avoid falling behind.
Lawton noted that acquiring defensemen is particularly challenging in the NHL. Although Broberg’s career trajectory remains uncertain, Lawton praised his impressive performance and development over the past year, asserting that he is destined to become a Top 4 defenseman in the league. Lawton was not surprised by the offer from the St. Louis Blues, which is at the upper end of what teams can offer restricted free agents without sacrificing a first-round draft pick.
Lawton pointed out that, given the current market conditions, teams can exert significant pressure on rivals with relatively modest compensation, like a second-round pick. He believes that for a player with the potential to be a Top 4 defenseman, such an investment is worth the risk. The rarity of young, talented defensemen makes Broberg’s potential even more valuable.
Lawton also expressed optimism about the Oilers’ situation, suggesting that they have multiple options to resolve the issue. He thinks the pressure to make a decision could ultimately benefit Edmonton. He acknowledged that if Broberg were to underperform, the Oilers could buy out the final year of his contract at a minimal cost of $750,000. Lawton advised that while this scenario is not ideal, it is a manageable risk when considering the overall potential benefits.
In summary, Lawton’s perspective is that retaining Broberg is crucial for Edmonton. He believes in Broberg’s potential and argues that even in the worst-case scenario, the financial impact of a buyout is manageable compared to the value a player like Broberg could bring to the team.