Former Oilers star calls contract talks disrespectful, finally explains why he chose St. Louis over Edmonton stay

When the St. Louis Blues swooped in with an offer sheet last summer, it set off one of the most surprising moves of the NHL off-season. Edmonton Oilers forward Dylan Holloway, an Alberta native and promising young talent, didn’t just leave for a new team—he left with a story of how negotiations went sour with the organization he once dreamed of representing.

Dylan Holloway opens up on leaving Edmonton after failed negotiations

On the Cam and Strick Podcast, Holloway revealed that his departure wasn’t simply a business decision. “It rubbed me the wrong way how little Edmonton thought of me in our contract negotiations. 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,” he said.

For fans, the decision from Oilers management to let Holloway walk was baffling.

Stan Bowman’s choice not to match the offer sheet—along with losing Philip Broberg in the same fashion—signaled a gamble that still raises eyebrows. Holloway had shown flashes of star potential, and once the Blues secured him, he wasted no time proving his worth.

Why St. Louis felt like the right fit after Oilers’ cold shoulder

In St. Louis, Holloway found not just a roster spot but a sense of belonging. The Blues didn’t merely bring him in—they trusted him with responsibility. He played a central role, delivering a breakout season with 26 goals and 63 points across 77 games.

More importantly, he experienced postseason action and felt the backing of a franchise that believed in him from day one.That contrast is what stings most for Oilers fans. While Edmonton continues to chase a Stanley Cup with their current core, the loss of a young, dynamic forward like Holloway feels increasingly like a misstep. Hindsight makes the decision look even worse, especially given Holloway’s growth into one of St. Louis’ key contributors.For Holloway, though, the move brought clarity. Edmonton may have been the team of his roots, but St. Louis became the place where he was valued—and that made all the difference.Also Read: Nathan MacKinnon breaks silence on Canada’s 2026 Olympic hopes, says gold is the ultimate expectation