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Philip Broberg was originally intended to get some ice time with his Oiler teammates before heading back to Skelleftea to prepare for the 2020-21 SHL season.
Broberg’s play (combined with defenceman Mike Green opting out) will keep him around longer than you might have thought.
Ken Holland on Philip Broberg: He was supposed to go home to Sweden this weekend, in time for his club's training camp.
— Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) July 22, 2020
Plans have changed, with Mike Green opting out, and Broberg's stellar play.
"I have informed Skelleftea that we will take him into the hub with us."
iN THE HUB YA GO
Broberg will be one of the 31 Oilers invited into the hub for this year’s playoffs. Set to begin on August 1st, Broberg has impressed the Oilers enough to become one of the ten defencemen who will head into the hub.
WILL HE PLAY?
Short answer: maybe.
Broberg has impressed everyone since training camp began nine days ago. He’s not going to play above Klefbom and he’s not going to play above Darnell Nurse, but after making Kris Russell look like a turnstile in practice (he’s got wheels), there’s at least a shot he could draw in at 3LD over Kris Russell, Caleb Jones, or William Lagesson. That number will increase should there be an injury. For now, a chance.
The Oilers will have eighteen forwards and three goaltenders for when it all begins next week. They’ll face off against Calgary in an exhibition game on Tuesday. They all count for real beginning next Saturday as the Oilers square off against the Blackhawks in a best-of-five.