Set to play alongside Raphael Lavoie in AHL, Oilers prospect Dylan Holloway’s return delayed

And for the Condors, it comes at a brutal time. Holloway, who suffered a broken kneecap playing for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers in mid-November, was loaned to the Condors days ago, affording him a chance to get his legs back underneath him.

The organization was ready to get Holloway in the mix, as he was slated to play on a line centring Raphael Lavoie and Lane Pederson, Bob Stauffer reported Thursday. Lavioie, who has 10 goals and 16 points in 20 games, and Pederson, with his eight goals and 15 points, have been among the Condors’ leading scorers this season.

It further complicates things for the Condors, too, who have played just 26 games so far this season, the lowest amount in the league. As noted by the Condors’ Ryan Holt, they will have at least five games in hand on any other team in the AHL’s Pacific Division and a staggering nine games in hand on the Henderson Silver Knights, who sit fourth in the division.

For Holloway, it’s another complication on what’s been a frustrating start to his pro career. Since leaving the NCAA to play professionally in the 2021-22 season, Holloway has dealt with hand/wrist, shoulder and know knee injuries stunting his ability to play games.

Over the last three seasons, he’s appeared in just 131 games at the NHL and AHL levels. With the Oilers, he’s played 65 games scoring five goals and 10 points, and has 27 goals and 51 points in 66 games in Bakersfield.

While Holloway has largely played the wing during his pro career, the Oilers’ shifting him to the center position allows them to evaluate potential roster construction options as the NHL’s trade deadline nears. Edmonton has a need up the middle in their bottom six, and that’s something that could be filled by Holloway, should he look good during this stint.

With games with weekend delayed, the Condors now won’t hit the ice for a game until next weekend, when they play a home-and-home set against the San Jose Barracuda. Following that, they’ll play two games against the Colorado Eagles on the road on Tuesday, January 16th, and Wednesday, January 17th.