Blues’ Rising Stars: Projecting Contract Extensions for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway

The St. Louis Blues are shaping a promising future, and two 23-year-olds—Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway—look like foundational pieces. Both delivered breakout performances in 2024–25, joining an established core of Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, and Colton Parayko, all of whom are under contract through at least 2028–29.

With the NHL’s salary cap projected to rise from $95.5 million next season to $104 million in 2026–27 and $113.5 million in 2027–28, the Blues have a rare opportunity to lock in young talent without compromising long-term flexibility. Broberg and Holloway will both be RFAs with arbitration rights in 2026. Here’s what their next contracts could look like—and how they fit into the bigger picture.

Philip Broberg: The Heir to the Blue Line

2024–25 Performance

Broberg proved he belongs in the top four, posting eight goals, 21 assists, and a +21 rating in 68 games while averaging over 20 minutes a night. His reliable playoff performance (one goal, one assist, and plus-nine in seven games) further cemented his value, even as his possession numbers (47.7% CF, -1.7% rel) suggest there’s still room to grow.

Currently on a two-year, $4.58M AAV bridge deal signed in 2024, Broberg’s next contract could take several forms depending on his trajectory and the Blues’ vision.

Impact of Cam Fowler

The addition of Cam Fowler gave St. Louis a steady veteran hand on the left side, but by 2026–27—when Fowler turns 35—Broberg may be ready to take over the LD1 role should Fower’s play begin to dip. A jump to 35–40 points and a cleaner puck game could justify a shift into a more prominent role for Broberg. 

While next season may not be the year, the Blues could see Fowler and Broberg swap places in one to two seasons with Fowler solidifying the second-pairing left defenseman role, should of course the Blues re-sign Fowler to a contract extension. 

Contract Projection

• 3-Year Bridge Deal: ~$6M AAV
  A moderate raise that reflects Broberg’s progress while offering flexibility.
• 4–5 Year Mid-Term Deal: $6.5M–$8M AAV
  Buys UFA years and aligns with the core timeline. If Broberg edges toward top-pair usage, this becomes more likely.
• 6–8 Year Long-Term Deal: $8M–$9.5M AAV
  Reserved for true top-pair value. If Broberg breaks out offensively, he could follow the path of Jake Sanderson.

Most Likely Outcome: A 5-year deal at $7M AAV, matching Parayko’s contract term and slotting Broberg in as a long-term top-four cornerstone.

Dylan Holloway: A Top-Six Winger on the Rise

2024–25 Performance

Holloway exploded for 26 goals, 37 assists (63 points) in 77 games, added physicality with 165 hits, and posted strong underlying numbers (52.2% CF, +4.5% rel). Only Thomas and Kyrou outscored him among Blues forwards. While he didn’t appear in the playoffs, his breakout regular season sets the stage for a significant raise.

Role and Outlook

As a skilled winger with scoring touch and a bit of a physical edge, Holloway should have no problem cementing a long-term top-six role. If he sustains this level and adds playoff production, he’ll be in line for a contract that reflects core status.

Contract Projection

• 3-Year Bridge Deal: ~$5.5M AAV
  A safe option for the team, with comparables like Cole Perfetti and Sam Bennett supporting this range (adjusted for rise in salary cap).
• 4–5 Year Mid-Term Deal: $6.5M–$7.8M AAV
  Locks Holloway in through his prime alongside Thomas, Kyrou, and Buchnevich. Offers the Blues and Holloway a chance to resurface and discuss what the future core looks like. 
• 6–8 Year Long-Term Deal: $7.8M–$9M AAV
  Possible if Holloway becomes a 70+ point winger and playoff difference-maker. The contract could resemble Matt Boldy from the Minnesota Wild who signed a 7x$49 million in Jan. 2023. 

Most Likely Outcome: A 5-year deal at $7M AAV, securing a physical, productive winger through 2030–31.

Could Holloway Out-Earn Robert Thomas?

Unlikely. Thomas’s 2024–25 season (81 points, nearly 20 minutes ATOI, strong playoffs) justifies his $8.125M AAV, and even with cap inflation, Holloway would need a massive leap—80+ points and playoff dominance—to justify a higher number. The Blues are unlikely to pay a winger more than their No. 1 center.

Big Picture: Building Around the Core

The Blues have already committed $30.76 million annually to Thomas, Kyrou, Parayko, and Buchnevich through at least 2028–29. Adding Broberg and Holloway at $7 million each would bring the core group’s cost to roughly $44.76 million—a manageable number under a potential future $104M cap.

The front office would love to ink Broberg and Holloway to deals that creep a year or two into their UFA seasons—locking in cost certainty while the cap rises—yet one breakout year isn’t a career résumé. 

Likely, they’ll balance that excitement with a dose of caution, knowing sample‑size risk can turn a long‑term gamble into a cap headache. Expect St. Louis to open talks around five‑year terms at sensible AAVs, keeping some leverage if either player plateaus. If the duo repeats—or even tops—this year’s performance, the Blues will happily pay a premium down the road, but for now a measured approach lets them reward promise without overcommitting before the proof is ironclad.

READ MORE: Offseason Blueprint: 5 Priorities the Blues Must Tackle This Summer