As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, the spotlight is intensifying on their promising rookies, Matt Savoie and Ike Howard. Expectations are high, with many anticipating significant contributions from the young players as the Oilers aim for their first Stanley Cup in the Connor McDavid era. However, a recent projection by Allan Mitchell of The Athletic suggests that the Oilers' plans for these rookies might not involve a full season of NHL action, a forecast that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Mitchell's prediction deviates from the conventional expectation that both Savoie and Howard will be key contributors throughout the entire season. Instead, he posits that neither rookie will play a full 82-game schedule, a scenario that could potentially strain the Oilers' depth if the team is relying on substantial offensive output from the pair.
Matt Savoie, drafted ninth overall in 2022, is considered the more NHL-ready of the two. He is known for his elite puck-handling skills and high-speed play. After a strong year with the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) and a brief stint with the Oilers alongside Leon Draisaitl in the 2024-25 season, Savoie is expected to contribute in various situations, including even strength, penalty kill, and power play. Despite these expectations, Mitchell projects Savoie to play around 65 games, potentially scoring 40 points if he secures power-play time. This projection implies that Savoie could be a healthy scratch for 17 games or see playing time in the AHL.
Ike Howard, acquired by the Oilers in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is viewed as a pure goal scorer with a knack for finding the net. Although Howard lacks professional experience, the Oilers traded for him, with many anticipating that he would get a chance in Edmonton's top six. Mitchell, however, anticipates Howard playing only 50 games and scoring 10-15 goals, especially if he gets opportunities on a line with Connor McDavid or early power-play reps.
The rationale behind Mitchell's projections isn't explicitly stated, but it seemingly considers the challenges that rookies often face in maintaining consistency throughout an entire NHL season. The physical and mental demands of the league, coupled with the pressure to perform, can sometimes lead to fluctuations in a rookie's performance. By managing Savoie's and Howard's ice time, the Oilers could be aiming to mitigate these challenges and ensure that the rookies are fresh and effective when they are in the lineup.
There are several reasons why the Oilers might limit the games played by Savoie and Howard. Firstly, the Oilers have added depth through free agency, including players like Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar. These additions could provide the coaching staff with options to rotate players in and out of the lineup, ensuring that Savoie and Howard aren't overburdened early in their careers. Secondly, the Oilers might want to shield their rookies from extended periods of struggle. By strategically managing their playing time, the team can prevent them from losing confidence and developing bad habits if they hit a rough patch. Thirdly, ice time can be used as a motivator. If Savoie and Howard want to play more, they will have to earn it.
The Oilers' development camp featured 27 prospects, including Savoie and O'Reilly, and was designed to help young players improve. The Oilers also have their annual rookie camp and the Young Stars Classic. These events provide opportunities for evaluation and development.
Ultimately, whether Mitchell's projections prove accurate remains to be seen. Training camp and the pre-season will provide a clearer picture of how the Oilers intend to utilize Savoie and Howard in the upcoming season. If the scribe is correct, the Oilers' rookie plans should raise eyebrows, given the perceived need for these young players to contribute significantly to the team's success.
