The eternal question, when you have a superstar center on your National Hockey League franchise, is "Who plays alongside him?". The Edmonton Oilers, blessed with not one, but two superstars, get to ask themselves that question twice. Players are attracted to Edmonton by the thought of sharing ice time with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but the truth is, not every player is ideally suited to the role.
Any Oilers head coach is going to have the "Nuclear" option available to them, playing McDavid and Draisaitl on the same line. It's an overpowering combination, and the Oilers' perennially dangerous powerplay shows its value. But concentrating your skill on a single line also creates an imbalance, and potential weaknesses throughout the rest of the lineup that opponents may capitalize on. So while there surely are times when the Dynamic Duo should play together, it shouldn't be the default.
Two tantalizing options
Zach Hyman will remain a strong option on the top line. Simply put, you don't manage a 50+ goal season if you aren't capable of knowing how to play with your center. Hyman started last season on Injured Reserve, but by season's end he was producing at the high pace we've come to expect in Edmonton. He knows the importance of pursuing the puck, getting it to McDavid in space, and then finding open ice and letting the scoring opportunities come to him. He doesn't overthink or try to accomplish too much, and the result is that he is consistently the best option on McDavid's wing. Hyman also voiced his support for incoming head coach Mike Babcock, so we know the two have a strong relationship.
Over the course of last season, Matt Savoie demonstrated what positive development looks like. He didn't score a goal until late October, though he was far from the only Oilers going through struggles. Then in November he scored twice, December three times, and then four goals in January. It was clear he was beginning to figure out a role for himself in the NHL. Then, late in the season, when Draisaitl missed significant time, Savoie quite capably stepped into a top six role, finishing the season with 13 points over March and April, a burst that surely helped Edmonton lock down a playoff slot.
Barring a significant top six forward signing, Savoie should be given every opportunity to continue his upward trend. The Oilers have an aging roster, and not only may injuries become a concern in the short term, the team will need to consider what its future looks like down the road. Savoie could be a major piece of that future, especially given the relatively empty prospect cupboard down on the Bakersfield Condors. And if, in the end, Oiler general manager Stan Bowman decides Savoie isn't a piece of the Oilers' future, a season-long stat bump on McDavid's wing is sure to increase the value Edmonton can find in a return on any trade involving him.
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