Although it is objectively bad news when players are forced to sit out due to injuries, there can sometimes be silver linings. This is the same for the recent press release that the Edmonton Oilers issued, announcing that multiple players would miss next month's training camp.
In total, it named four players those being: Newly signed goaltender Frederik Andersen, defenceman Alec Regula, and forwards Mattias Janmark as well as Matt Savoie. Afterwards, Oilers TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug provided further context, stating that both Andersen and Savoie are expected to be out until the end of October.
Sounds like Savoie and Andersen will be available late October or so. https://t.co/i0JOIiicM7
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) August 26, 2026
Andersen being out stings but that is exactly why the Oilers are expected to start the season with three goalies on their NHL roster. Savoie on the other hand, has proven himself with this Oilers team, working his way up to a top line role down the stretch last season, truly finding his game after the Olympic break.
Him being out will also hurt and could hurt his chances, especially as the Oilers new bench boss Mike Babcock gets acclimated through his first training camp with the club. But as the saying goes, when one door closes another opens and that door may be opening for fellow youngster, Isaac Howard.
Howard gifted an opportunity to impress
Entering his sophomore season, Ike Howard will surely look to take the next step forward in his NHL journey. His rookie campaign did not exactly meet expectations as he scored just two goals and three assists in 29 games played at the NHL level but he did look like his dangerous self down a level.
In his stint with the Oilers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, Howard scored 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in the 47 games he spent in the AHL. He showed tons of chemistry with his teammates, especially Quinn Hutson who will be one of many young players battling for an NHL spot next month as well.
Howard's incredible play at the AHL level shows that the former Hobey Baker winner's game can translate to the professional ranks. Now, he just needs to prove that it can translate to the NHL level and with Savoie out, it could be the best opportunity.
The Oilers will surely be looking to find another youthful offensive push with Savoie out and Howard could help his stock immensely if he can impress throughout the short preseason this year. It could help determine his spot in the lineup and once the NHL regular season starts, he will have nearly a month to put up some impressive numbers.
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