SHOCKWAVES IN ST. LOUIS: Dylan Holloway on the Outs as Oilers Fire Explosive Message at Blues Coach Jim Montgomery and Entire Team—Tensions Erupt Over Star Forward’s Role
Dylan Holloway’s sudden displacement from the St. Louis Blues’ primary lineup has ignited a storm that stretches far beyond Missouri. With the Edmonton Oilers sending what insiders are calling a “scorched-earth” message to Blues head coach Jim Montgomery and the rest of the organization, the ripple effects of this tension are being felt across the NHL. What was initially viewed as a routine offseason adjustment has turned into a front-page drama involving former allegiances, backdoor frustrations, and a deepening rift between two organizations that once shared mutual respect. Now, the fate of a promising forward is up in the air, and the hockey world is watching with raised eyebrows.
Holloway, once seen as part of the future core in Edmonton, was moved to St. Louis in a transaction that had many scratching their heads from the beginning. He was billed as a player with explosive speed, strong hockey IQ, and a two-way versatility that could slot him into virtually any line. Yet in St. Louis, something has gone awry. Sources close to the Blues indicate that Montgomery has grown skeptical of Holloway’s fit within his system, reportedly clashing with the player over his deployment, role clarity, and even attitude during practices. Though neither party has spoken on record, the tension has grown too large to ignore, culminating in Holloway being left out of multiple key team events and practices in recent weeks. The scratches haven’t gone unnoticed—especially not by his former team.
The Oilers’ involvement in the drama has come as a surprise to many, but it shouldn’t. Edmonton had invested significant developmental capital into Holloway. They nurtured him through early NHL growing pains and celebrated his breakthrough moments with a sense of pride. That emotional and strategic investment hasn’t faded, even after the trade. As one member of the Oilers’ front office anonymously put it, “Watching how things have unfolded in St. Louis is nothing short of insulting to what Holloway brings to the game. We didn’t let him go to see him benched and wasted.” Those words, albeit off the record, are just a taste of the fiery message Edmonton formally relayed to St. Louis leadership. Though the contents of the communication haven’t been publicly released, league sources confirm it was direct, pointed, and framed as a defense of Holloway’s value and character.
Why the Oilers felt compelled to speak out so aggressively is a matter of speculation. Some believe it’s a strategic power play to destabilize the Blues, especially amid whispers of lingering playoff bitterness between the two organizations. Others see it as a message to the league at large—that Edmonton won’t stand idly by as one of their own is treated as disposable. Either way, the friction between the franchises has become undeniable. Players on both sides have noticed the chilly air. Former teammates of Holloway still in Edmonton have been vocal behind closed doors, reportedly fuming over the perceived disrespect he’s endured in St. Louis. Some have taken to social media with vague posts and cryptic emojis—adding fuel to the speculation without naming names.
As for Holloway himself, the silence is deafening. The usually vibrant and media-friendly winger has gone into lockdown mode. He’s skipped recent press availability and even appeared subdued in team practices. It’s unclear whether that stems from frustration, confusion, or being advised to lay low as things play out. But what is clear is that the once-promising marriage between player and team is on the verge of collapse. Rumors are now circulating that Holloway could be part of an offseason trade package—again. If that were to happen, it would mark his second relocation in a short span, a concerning trend for a young talent still trying to find his NHL footing.
St. Louis’s side of the story hasn’t been without its defenders. Sources inside the organization claim that Holloway has struggled to adapt to Montgomery’s playbook, which prioritizes defensive structure and transition timing over flash and freelance creativity. “He wants to make plays that don’t exist,” one scout said. “It’s not that he’s bad—it’s that he’s undisciplined for what this team needs right now.” That take, however, is being countered heavily by those who believe Montgomery is mismanaging young talent and relying too heavily on veterans past their prime. The decision to favor aging, slower skaters over Holloway’s youth and speed has led to frustration in the fanbase as well. Talk shows, online forums, and social media have all become sounding boards for Blues fans who are questioning their coach’s vision and direction.
The broader implications of this saga extend into front-office reputations and potential locker room divisions. If Montgomery loses the room due to his handling of Holloway, it could trigger a chain reaction within the coaching staff and player leadership core. Conversely, if he stays firm and Holloway is moved again, the pressure will fall on Holloway to perform wherever he lands next—or risk being branded as a talented yet hard-to-manage player. That label has haunted other young skaters in the past, and it can be career-defining.
As the offseason ramps up and teams look to recalibrate, Holloway’s name is likely to surface in trade rumors, insider reports, and speculative columns. Some potential suitors include the Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils, and even a surprise wildcard in the Ottawa Senators—all teams with young cores and coaching staffs more willing to give players like Holloway long leashes. Edmonton’s role in those conversations will be closely monitored as well. Could the Oilers try to reacquire him if St. Louis shops him at a reduced value? Would that be seen as a vindication of their earlier faith, or simply an effort to rescue a sinking asset?
Regardless of what happens next, the Dylan Holloway saga has cracked open a new layer of drama in an already charged NHL landscape. It touches on questions of player treatment, coaching ideology, inter-team politics, and the delicate balance between talent and trust. For a young forward trying to make his mark in the league, it’s an unenviable spotlight. For the St. Louis Blues and Jim Montgomery, it’s a test of judgment and leadership. And for the Edmonton Oilers, it’s a reminder that the ties that bind don’t always end with a trade.
Even more interesting is the way this situation exposes the emotional underbelly of NHL management. Hockey is a business, yes—but it’s also a fraternity, one with long memories and personal investments. When the Oilers sent their pointed message to Montgomery and his staff, it wasn’t just about Holloway. It was about pride. It was about principle. And perhaps, it was about revenge. Edmonton has spent the past few seasons being perceived as top-heavy, overly reliant on their star duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But the organization sees more than that in itself—and in its players. Losing Holloway was a blow, but watching him twist in the wind has become unbearable for those who believed in his journey.
Now the puck is firmly in St. Louis’s zone. Will they give Holloway a renewed opportunity to prove his worth? Will they double down on their current direction, even as outside criticism mounts? Or will they cut bait, send him elsewhere, and hope the noise dies down? Every decision from here on will be scrutinized—not just by fans, but by fellow teams, agents, and players alike. No one wants to be the next name caught in a system that’s unwilling to bend. No one wants to be the next Dylan Holloway.
The coming weeks promise more twists, and likely more statements from team executives trying to spin the narrative. But the truth is already out. There’s a fracture in St. Louis, and it bears the name of a 23-year-old winger who just wants a chance to play the game the only way he knows how—fast, creative, and all-in. Whether that chance comes in blue and gold or somewhere else remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Dylan Holloway’s story is far from over. And the firestorm ignited between two NHL organizations may have only just begun.
