DEV CAMP: Broberg's options

EDMONTON, AB - Philip Broberg is no stranger to Edmonton.
Despite being a new face in the Oilers organization, the eighth-overall selection at this past weekend's NHL Draft made a big impression at Rogers Place last August using the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as a platform to showcase his promising speed, size, and offensive instincts.
"We had a good team there in the Hlinka tournament, and I had a good tournament as well," Broberg, speaking to the media at Oilers Development Camp on Monday, said. "So I'm comfortable being here in Edmonton, for sure."
The next step for the blueliner, who turns 18 years old on Tuesday, will be getting acclimated to the professional game and North American ice.
That task will involve a choice - returning to the Swedish Hockey League and Skelleftea AIK for another year, or crossing the pond to play for the Hamilton Bulldogs, who own the Orebro, Sweden product's rights in the OHL.
"If I go back to Sweden I'll play in the SHL, and if I stay here I will play on the small ice and stuff like that," Broberg said. "But we'll see what's happening after I talk to Edmonton about it."

The decision will be made through consultation with Broberg and management about what works best for both parties, with the process for Oilers VP of Player Personnel Scott Howson beginning with the Swede's willingness to make the jump.
"The first thing that has to happen is the player has to want to come over," Howson said. "He has to be open to it because I think if you force a European player that's not mentally ready or mentally focused on coming over, it's not going to work. Well, the good news is Philip is open to it and he's willing to discuss it.
"We're going to have that discussion with him throughout the summer and we'll probably have to come to a decision here in the next month or so."
There's been recent precedence for promising Swedish blueliners from the draft making the move overseas from an early foray into the SHL, with Chicago Blackhawks prospect and 2018 eighth-overall pick Adam Boqvist joining Evan Bouchard and the London Knights last season after being drafted.

"I've talked to a lot of guys in Sweden, the guys I know around the league, about what the best thing is," Broberg said. "I'm going to talk with Edmonton and see what they think would be the best for me, and that's where I will play next year."
For now, Broberg is putting his first strides on North American ice getting acclimated to his new team and teammates.
"We're here to get to know the other prospects and all the staff," Broberg said. "I've seen the city and obviously the fans in the [Hlinka Gretzky Cup] that were here, but I just want to get to know everyone and have a good time at Development Camp."