The progression of Edmonton Oilers’ forward Dylan Holloway has been noteworthy, despite his setback due to an injury on Nov. 13. Throughout the Oilers’ early-season struggles, Holloway showcased relentless energy, emerging as one of the few positives, even without significant scoring contributions. Recently activated from long-term injured reserve (LTIR), he was loaned to the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL to regain game speed, with a particular emphasis on his role as a center.
Amidst discussions on the “Oilers Now” show, Bob Stauffer, the team’s color commentator, has hinted at the potential addition of a couple of players before the regular season concludes. Notably, if Holloway succeeds in transitioning from the wing to the center position, it could significantly impact the team’s trade strategy and provide clarity on their needs as the trade deadline approaches.
The success of Holloway at center could potentially alter the Oilers’ trade priorities. While upgrading the goaltending position from Calvin Pickard is an apparent need, acquiring another veteran defenseman is also considered, along with exploring trades to enhance the third-line center position, as suggested by TSN’s Ryan Rishaug. Currently, Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod are excelling as wingers for Leon Draisaitl in the top six. If they secure regular spots on the second line, addressing the void left by McLeod at the 3C spot becomes imperative, prompting discussions about potential upgrades. Derek Ryan is currently filling the 3C position adequately, but concerns linger about his footspeed being exposed later in the season and playoffs.
Holloway’s role is pivotal in shaping the team’s trade needs. If he successfully transitions to the center position, putting up points and displaying responsible defensive play in the AHL, he could seamlessly fill the 3C position upon recall to Edmonton. Importantly, PuckPedia indicates that the Oilers are on track to accommodate a cap hit of $2.79 million by the trade deadline without making additional trades. If Holloway proves effective as a center, the team may redirect their focus from acquiring another centerman to upgrading goaltending or the blue line.
Envisioning a third line comprising the physical Evander Kane, the speedy Holloway, and the gritty Connor Brown, all performing at their peak, underscores the potential impact of such a combination in checking, scoring, and adding physicality during playoff battles.
The #LetsGoOilers activated Holloway from LTIR & sent him down.
They used $202K of LTIR.
They now have $609K Projected Cap Space w/ 21 players; can fit $1.1M annual cap hit today or $2.79M at deadline.https://t.co/OxvrFjZ3gV
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) January 3, 2024
Holloway’s history as an MVP and his dominant seasons coincide with his play as a center. In 2019, he earned the MVP title in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and was honored as the Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year, both achieved while playing at center. Notably, his transition back to the center position in his second NCAA season led to a significant improvement in performance, earning him recognition as a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
The common thread in Holloway’s successful seasons is his role as a center, aligning with his impressive skating ability and the freedom to roam the ice. Before being drafted, he drew comparisons to Jonathan Toews, with early signs indicating his potential could be fully realized while playing at center.
Although a water main break led to the postponement of Holloway’s anticipated debut with the Condors on Jan. 5th, fans eagerly await his performance on Jan. 12th to assess his potential as a future center for the Edmonton Oilers.
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