September 4, 2025 — Dylan Holloway’s decision to leave the Edmonton Oilers for the St. Louis Blues continues to highlight how costly contract missteps can be. The Alberta-born forward recently admitted that feeling undervalued by Edmonton pushed him to embrace a fresh start in St. Louis.
“It rubbed me the wrong way how little Edmonton thought of me,” Holloway explained. “I’m an Alberta boy, I wanted to go back to a team we went so far with, but as soon as Edmonton didn’t reciprocate that feeling, I was all in on St. Louis.”
The move quickly paid off. Holloway meshed perfectly with Jordan Kyrou and captain Brayden Schenn, forming one of the league’s most dynamic lines. He tallied 66 points in 77 games before a lower-body injury ended his playoff run against the Winnipeg Jets. Surgery followed, but his breakout campaign solidified his place as a rising star.
Now in the final year of a two-year contract, Holloway remains a restricted free agent. The Blues view him as a cornerstone for their future — whether on a bridge deal or a long-term extension. Alongside fellow ex-Oiler Philip Broberg, he has become a key figure in St. Louis’s plans.
For Edmonton, the loss stings. With Connor McDavid’s future direction a constant point of discussion, retaining Holloway might have boosted confidence in the Oilers’ long-term outlook. Instead, St. Louis gained a high-impact forward at a bargain.
Fans remain divided. Some praise Holloway for asserting control over his career, while others believe he abandoned a team that was close to contending for a championship. Regardless, the consensus is clear: Edmonton miscalculated, and the Blues benefited.
How St. Louis handles Holloway’s next contract — and whether he continues to feel valued — will be crucial storylines moving forward.
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