Ex-Leaf Connor Brown a major reason the Oilers didn't match offer sheets

The Edmonton Oilers chose not to match the offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway this week, leading both players to sign with the St. Louis Blues. The Oilers justified their decision by pointing to the need for financial flexibility, particularly with massive contract extensions for Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard on the horizon. Yet, they might have been able to keep Holloway if not for a bonus clause that was included in Connor Brown's contract.

Last offseason, Connor Brown, coming off a significant knee injury, agreed to a one-year contract with the Oilers that included a base salary of $775K. However, the deal featured a bonus provision that many critics found a little odd. Brown was guaranteed a $3.25M bonus if he appeared in just 10 regular-season games, a number that he easily surpassed by playing in 71. Given the Oilers' salary cap constraints last season, this bonus carried over into the current season's cap.

Although the Oilers likely didn't foresee being hit with two offer sheets, they would have had the financial space under the cap to match Dylan Holloway's $2.29M AAV had it not been for Connor Brown's costly bonus. The responsibility for this situation lies not with Brown or his agent, but with former GM Ken Holland and his questionable cap management, which he has been heavily criticized for.

Connor Brown, similar to Zach Hyman, was a fan favorite during his time in Toronto, and Leafs supporters are glad to see him rewarded financially and return from a potentially career-ending injury.

Despite their attempt to offset Dylan Holloway's departure by acquiring Matthew Savoie from the Buffalo Sabres, the Oilers' depth has definitely been weakened, which is an issue that could become even more problematic if Leon Draisaitl decides to leave the team in free agency.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Former Maple Leaf Costs Oilers the Opportunity to Match Offer Sheets Thanks to Unique Contract Clause