For a team like the Edmonton Oilers, currently entrenched as an NHL contender and having, by necessity, leveraged future draft capital to solidify its roster, the emergence of homegrown, impactful youth is more than just a bonus—it`s a strategic imperative. The spotlight now falls sharply on two promising 21-year-old wingers: Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie. Both have arrived at a pivotal juncture in their careers, vying for a coveted spot on the Oilers’ roster, yet their journeys to this moment couldn`t be more distinct.
Isaac Howard: The Confident Challenger with a New Perspective
Isaac Howard, a left-winger drafted 31st overall in 2022 by Tampa Bay, enters the Oilers` system after a trade. His path has been marked by a confident, some might say uncompromising, ambition. Having previously declined an assignment to AHL Syracuse, Howard’s stance led to his departure from the Lightning organization. Now, facing the reality of professional hockey development, his perspective appears to have matured.
When questioned about reporting to Bakersfield, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, should an NHL spot not materialize immediately, Howard was unequivocal: “Yeah, for sure. I mean… that`s not my call. It`s not my judgment. There are people that get paid a lot of money to make those calls. I`m just a player, so I’ve just got to show up, and do what I can. See where it goes.” This newfound pragmatism is a crucial step for a player who dominated the NCAA last season, racking up an impressive 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games with Michigan State.
Howard`s objective is clear: to make a “seamless jump” to the NHL. He envisions himself as an impactful, two-way player, eager to contribute offensively and defensively to a “winning hockey” environment. His confidence is palpable, a quality that can both propel and challenge a young player navigating the professional landscape.
Matt Savoie: The AHL-Seasoned Hopeful
In stark contrast, Matt Savoie, a right-winger originally from St. Albert, Alberta, endured the initial shock of being traded from Buffalo before finding his footing in the Oilers` organization. A veteran of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Savoie spent a crucial season honing his craft with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. This experience has evidently provided him with a significant advantage in understanding the demands of the professional game.
Savoie`s time in Bakersfield, coupled with four brief NHL appearances, has instilled in him a quiet confidence. “Within the organization, I know everybody. I have a kind of a feel for everything,” he remarked, reflecting on the difference a year in the AHL has made. “Last year, coming into camp, I was pretty nervous getting my feet wet early. This year, I think it`s more belief that I can do something special this year and be a contributor.” While his AHL stat line of 19 goals and 54 points in 66 games might not scream “superstar” on paper, the context of playing against seasoned professionals is paramount.
The Development Divide: NCAA vs. AHL
The juxtaposition of Howard`s high-flying NCAA performance against Savoie`s grind in the AHL highlights a perennial debate in hockey development: which path better prepares a player for the NHL? Colin Chaulk, head coach of the Bakersfield Condors, offers a compelling argument for the latter.
Chaulk emphasizes the “really big jump” required from junior or college play to the professional ranks. He points to Savoie`s development in Bakersfield, where the young winger learned to “block shots, playing with two hands and heavy on his stick, withstanding a heavier veteran of 400-500 games leaning on him.” It was in the AHL that Savoie learned to understand “when to take risks and when maybe just to live the fight another day.” In essence, Chaulk observes, “What we saw with Matt was becoming a young man.”
While Howard`s collegiate statistics are undeniably impressive, Savoie`s AHL season offered a different kind of education—one against stronger, older, and more experienced competition. The AHL, as Chaulk describes it, “is heavier and is meaner. It`s harder, and I believe that is exactly where you want your prospects to be, playing against that type of competition. There`s not a lot of space in the National League, and they need to feel that.” Savoie has felt that, adapted, and grown. Howard hopes to bypass that particular crucible, jumping straight to the NHL.
The High Stakes of Contention
For the Edmonton Oilers, this isn`t merely a rookie camp subplot; it`s a critical assessment of their organizational depth and future impact players. With a roster built to contend for the Stanley Cup, every spot is precious, and every new addition must contribute immediately. The luxury of extended development periods is often reserved for non-contending teams.
As main camp approaches, all eyes will be on Howard and Savoie. Will Howard`s raw offensive talent and renewed commitment be enough to bridge the massive gap from NCAA to NHL? Or will Savoie`s year of professional seasoning, his experience against “men,” and his familiarity with the Oilers` system give him the edge? Their parallel but divergent paths converge now, setting the stage for an intriguing battle that could significantly shape the Oilers` forward depth for years to come.
Tristan Blackwood