Imagine a defenseman who was once overlooked, only to explode onto the scene with a career year after a change of scenery. Now, his future hangs in the balance, with no contract talks underway. This is the story of Philip Broberg and the St. Louis Blues, a tale that’s as intriguing as it is controversial. While the Blues are likely to part ways with several pending free agents ahead of this year’s trade deadline, Broberg stands out as a player worth retaining—if the price is right. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite his undeniable impact, no contract discussions have begun, according to Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic.
Broberg’s journey to St. Louis began last year when the Blues poached him from the Edmonton Oilers via an offer sheet. That move has paid dividends. The 8th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft had his breakout season in 2023-24, scoring 8 goals and 29 points in 68 games, while boasting a stellar +21 rating and averaging 20:30 of ice time per night. It’s a stark contrast to his time in Edmonton, where he was underutilized, playing just 81 games over three seasons with a -5 rating and averaging a mere 12:42 of ice time. The difference? A nearly eight-minute increase in ice time led to more than double his production.
And this is the part most people miss: Broberg’s success isn’t just about the stats. His underlying metrics tell a similar story. Last season, he led the Blues with a 93.7% on-ice save percentage at even strength, despite starting 53.2% of his shifts in the defensive zone. Compare that to his 87.7% mark during his three years in Edmonton, and it’s clear he’s thriving in a system that maximizes his talents.
This season, Broberg continues to impress, logging two goals and 10 points in 26 games while averaging a whopping 23:25 of ice time. Though his -1 rating pales in comparison to last year’s +21, it’s important to note that the Blues are second-to-last in the league with a -23 goal differential. In other words, he’s still performing admirably in a challenging environment.
But here’s the controversial part: Despite his value, there’s no apparent urgency from the Blues’ front office to lock him down. General Manager Doug Armstrong has stated, “There’s no rush with that. We’ll make sure we leave enough space to get those guys signed.” Is this a smart, calculated move, or a risky gamble? After all, Broberg’s next contract could be a doozy. The Athletic initially speculated a $6.7MM salary, but recent reports suggest it could soar to $8MM. AFP Analytics projects a $7.32MM price tag for a long-term deal. Any of these figures would make him the highest-paid defenseman on the team—a bold investment for a player whose offensive output might not match traditional expectations for that price.
Yet, Broberg has proven himself as a shutdown specialist capable of handling a heavy workload. The question remains: Is he worth the money? And should the Blues act now, or risk losing him in free agency?
What do you think? Is Broberg’s breakout season enough to justify a top-tier contract, or is the Blues’ front office wise to proceed with caution? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
