Dylan Holloway, the breakout star who made a name for himself after leaving the Edmonton Oilers, has recently suggested that he felt pushed out by his former team. Holloway's comments shed light on his departure and hint at a potential disconnect between the player and the Oilers organization.

After the St. Louis Blues signed Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets in August 2024, questions arose as to why the Oilers didn't make a greater effort to keep at least one of them. Both Holloway and Broberg had impressive 2024-25 seasons in St. Louis. Holloway, in particular, had a breakout season, leading many to wonder why Edmonton didn't fight harder to retain him, especially considering his reasonable $2,290,457 average annual salary.

In a recent interview, Holloway opened up about his contract negotiations with the Oilers, stating, "It rubbed me the wrong way how little Edmonton thought of me in our contract negotiations". He added, "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 23-year-old's performance in his first season with the Blues seemed to validate his decision. He scored 26 goals and assisted on 37 others, totaling 63 points in 77 games.

Holloway's successful season was cut short in early April when a hit from Rutger McGroarty tore his oblique off the hip bone, which required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. However, Holloway has stated that he has been fully healthy for three months. He is now looking to build on his breakout season as he enters another contract year, where he will likely command a significant raise.

Meanwhile, back in Edmonton, Oilers GM Stan Bowman is focused on securing a new contract with Connor McDavid. While Bowman says that there have been "constructive conversations" regarding an extension, McDavid "has earned the right not to be forced into anything".