The Edmonton Oilers, like virtually every contending club in the NHL, have a relatively barren prospect pool. The number of young players coming up through the ranks doesn’t boast a cadre of high-value prospects.
Despite the evident lack of numerous prospects in the works, the Oilers will be counting on their top two prospects to play a meaningful role this upcoming season. Specifically, we’re talking about Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard.
Howard, 21, was the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first-round pick in 2022. He was taken 31st overall, after a string of successful seasons with the UN National Development Team. He then went on to play for Michigan State in the NCAA, grabbing the Hobey Baker Award.
However, the Lightning moved on from Howard, sending him to the Oilers this summer for Sam O’Reilly. The deal was a bit of a head-scratcher on both sides. But it boiled down to two organizations, without deep prospect pools, swapping their top prospects.
Now, Howard has a unique opportunity to play with the best player in the world. According to Daily Faceoff, Howard is slated to play on Connor McDavid’s left wing. He’ll join Zach Hyman in what could be one of the most offensively dynamic lines in the NHL.
Howard will have a shot to show why he’s got a high ceiling. His speed will be an asset in keeping up with McDavid. If Howard can mesh with McDavid, Howard could be a dark horse candidate to capture the Calder Trophy this season.
Oilers counting on Savoie to make the leap
The other Oilers top prospect to make the club is Matthew Savoie. Savoie came over in the Ryan McLeod trade last offseason. He failed to make the team in 2024-25, but looks like a lock this season.
The Oilers hope this will be the season Savoie can make the leap. He’s got a clear path to the NHL and will be given every opportunity to make a mark for himself. Like Howard, Savoie will have a chance to play will an all-world center -- which could see him slip into the Calder Trophy conversation.
The tantalizing prospect of Savoie teaming up with Leon Draisaitl is something Oilers fans cannot overlook. If anything, the projected Draisaitl-Podkolzin-Savoie line could end up becoming one of the best top-six lines this season.
It wouldn’t be ludicrous to imagine Savoie getting close to 20 goals in his first full season while playing with Draisaitl.
Ultimately, the Oilers will be counting on Savoie to take up a crucial spot in the Oilers’ top six. He’s got the skills. That’s why he could be one of the most important players for the Oilers this season.