With his SHL season complete, the Edmonton Oilers have immediately recalled one of their top prospects, Philip Broberg, and have assigned him to the team’s taxi squad, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
Broberg was the Oilers top pick in 2018 — the eighth overall pick. While the defenseman was quite raw when he was drafted, he did offer the team a combination of size (6-foot-3) and speed and has progressed well over the last two years. Broberg was given limited playing time in the SHL in 2019-20, but saw an increased role with the team last year, which also included being named captain of the World Junior team. While he struggled there due while playing through an injury, Broberg looks ready to take the next step and cross over to North America.
This won’t be his first venture in North America. The 19-year-old came over last year to participate in Oilers’ training camp before the bubble and impressed the organization with his skating abilities. He was invited to join the team in the bubble, but never got into a game with the team. With the pandemic underway, the Oilers loaned him back to Skelleftea where he received more playing time and even saw some time on the power play. He finished the season with three goals and 13 points in 44 games.
While there is no word on whether he will get an opportunity to play for the Oilers this year, he will be given a chance to earn a promotion to the team over the next few games. It’s more likely the young blueliner will spend next year in the AHL.