Report: Oilers first-round draft pick Philip Broberg to play in Sweden

The Edmonton Oilers 8th overall draft pick will play next season in the Swedish Hockey League, according to Swedish outlet Hockey Sverige.

The article, published on July 5, quoted Skellefteå GM Erik Forssell who said he would be playing next season there.

“We just got that message. That Philip plays with us. It feels good that it is clear. And we are happy that he plays with us this winter,” Hockey Sverige reported Forssell saying.

When the Oilers drafted Broberg, the desire was for him to be playing a lot of minutes and it’s safe to assume that’s what will happen for him.

Broberg was signed to a one-year deal with Skellefteå before the draft, so there was a clear desire from him to play there. His CHL rights were owned by Hamilton.

“I think the most important thing is that when you’re a young player is that you play,” Oilers GM Ken Holland said after the draft. “(If he’s going to be) important on the team over there, then I’ll certainly listen. If he’s going to be a five-six (defenceman) then I think he’s good but he’s best served to be over here.”

Broberg has two years of eligibility in the CHL, so I could foresee a situation where he comes to North America after this season to get a taste of hockey here.

Personally, I would have much rather see him get two full seasons of play here in North America. It’s not to be understated how big of an adjustment it is to the smaller ice rink.

The six-foot, three-inch, 203 lb. left-shot rearguard played for AIK in Swedish Allsvenskan league last season, scoring nine points in 41 games.

So now, let’s see how he continues to progress.

On Twitter: @zjlaing