The Edmonton Oilers made several bold moves over the past few months, bringing in a few new players and carving a pathway for others who are in the system. Each has varying resumes, but all are aiming to contribute to a team in win-now mode.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch is wasting no time, making it clear during a recent interview on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer that newcomers Matt Savoie, Ike Howard, and David Tomášek are all in the mix for opening-night roster spots. Add in recent free agent signings Curtis Lazar and Andrew Mangiapane, and the Oilers’ lineup could look significantly different when the 2025-26 season begins.
What should we expect from each of these five players?
Matt Savoie – He’s Been Preparing For This
Acquired in a trade with Buffalo that sent Ryan McLeod the other way, Matt Savoie enters camp with a strong chance to claim a middle-six role. The 21-year-old is highly skilled, with top-end speed and a scorer’s mentality. He spent most of last season in the AHL, posting 54 points in 66 games. He’s ready.
The Oilers believe this is the season to go all in on the young winger with serious upside. Knoblauch is aware there will be growing pains, but believes that playing time is the best way for the former top-10 pick to develop. Expect Savoie to rotate in and out of the top six and the minute he finds chemistry with the Oilers’ elite forwards, Knoblauch will ride that bull until it bucks.
He could be sheltered in an offensive role, but there’s skill there to play in different situations.
Ike Howard – Is He The Replacement for Nuge?
Acquired from Tampa Bay in exchange for prospect Sam O’Reilly, Isaac (Ike) Howard might be the most unknown of the trio, but he’s generating the most buzz. A skilled winger with a desire for a more responsible two-way game, Howard’s chances hinge on whether he can keep up with NHL pace. The belief is he can, and the Oilers are going to find out early.
Ideally, Howard can carve out a spot on the top line, but it’s a lot to ask knowing he’ll get the opposition’s best defenders. If he can find open ice with the coverage on McDavid, he’s got the potential to score 20 goals in his rookie season. His ability to play both wings gives the coaching staff flexibility.
Speculation of late is that the Oilers might be thinking about asking Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to take on a…
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