The relentless pursuit of the Stanley Cup defines the Edmonton Oilers. But even for a team boasting some of hockey`s brightest stars, the future demands a fresh infusion of talent. This season, two 21-year-old wingers, Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie, find themselves at the epicenter of this youthful ambition, each on a distinctly different, yet equally challenging, trajectory to join the Oilers` ranks.
The Audacious American: Isaac Howard`s Direct Assault
Isaac Howard, a left winger, embodies the audacious spirit of a player determined to carve his own path. Originally a Tampa Bay draftee (31st overall in 2022), Howard`s journey to Edmonton was less a gentle transfer and more a forceful realignment. His camp`s initial reluctance to see him begin his professional career in the AHL, preferring a direct NHL jump, ultimately led to his trade to the Oilers. It’s a bold stance for a prospect, a move that undoubtedly raises eyebrows, but Howard remains unperturbed.
Having honed his skills and racked up an impressive 26 goals and 52 points in 37 games last season at Michigan State in the NCAA, Howard now faces the formidable chasm between collegiate dominance and NHL readiness. When pressed on reporting to Bakersfield (the Oilers` AHL affiliate) should his immediate NHL aspirations fall short, his response was pragmatic:
“Yeah, for sure. I mean… that`s not my call. I`m just a player, so I’ve just got to show up, and do what I can.”
A marked shift in perspective, perhaps, or merely the shrewd realization that sometimes, even the most direct routes require a detour. Howard’s confidence, however, remains unshaken. He aims for a “seamless jump,” bringing “winning hockey” and impact to both ends of the ice.
The Steadfast Local: Matt Savoie`s Proving Ground
In stark contrast, Matt Savoie, a St. Albert-born right winger, represents the time-honored path of incremental progression. Acquired from Buffalo in the Ryan McLeod trade, Savoie already has a year of professional experience under his belt, having navigated the demanding landscape of the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors. He also boasts a tantalizing taste of the `Big Show` with four NHL games.
This prior experience, according to Savoie, makes all the difference.
“Last year, coming into camp, I was pretty nervous getting my feet wet early,” he reflects. “This year, I think it`s more belief that I can do something special… and be a contributor.”
While Howard was dazzling in the NCAA, Savoie was grinding out 19 goals and 54 points in 66 AHL games, learning the unforgiving realities of professional hockey. He`s felt the “heavier,” “meaner,” and “harder” competition that Bakersfield head coach Colin Chaulk believes is crucial for development. “What we saw with Matt was becoming a young man,” Chaulk noted, highlighting Savoie`s growth in areas beyond offensive production, such as blocking shots and playing a more physically resilient game.
The Unspoken Verdict: NCAA vs. AHL Grit
The tale of these two prospects inevitably sparks the age-old debate: which development path yields a more NHL-ready player? Howard`s superior points-per-game in the NCAA are undeniable. Yet, Savoie`s numbers, achieved against seasoned professionals in the AHL, carry a different weight. It`s the difference between artistic flair in a collegiate arena and the rugged, unyielding grind of the professional minor leagues.
The AHL, as Chaulk so aptly puts it, prepares prospects for the “not a lot of space” reality of the National League. Savoie has endured that baptism by fire, understanding when to take risks and when to “live to fight another day.” Howard, with his desire for a “seamless jump,” hopes to bypass this rite of passage entirely. The irony, of course, is that the very league Howard once sidestepped might be the crucible that forges an NHL regular.
A Contending Team`s Dilemma and Opportunity
For the Edmonton Oilers, a team constantly balancing cap space and the need for immediate impact, young, cost-controlled talent like Howard and Savoie are invaluable. The main camp will serve as their ultimate audition, a high-stakes performance where every shift, every decision, will be scrutinized. Can Howard translate his NCAA brilliance directly to the NHL, or will Savoie`s hard-earned AHL grit give him the edge?
The outcome isn`t just about two individual careers; it`s about the Oilers` strategic future. As they face the Calgary Flames rookies in their first ice-test, all eyes will be on these two ambitious wingers, each representing a distinct philosophy of hockey development, vying for a precious spot on a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. Howard hopes he doesn`t have to face the AHL; Savoie has already embraced it. Soon, the ice will deliver its verdict.
