In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, where championship aspirations loom large, every roster spot on a contending team like the Edmonton Oilers is not merely filled; it is earned, often through a gauntlet of proving grounds. For a franchise that has consistently traded away future draft capital in pursuit of immediate success, the emergence of young, impactful talent is not just a bonus – it’s a strategic imperative. This season, the spotlight shines brightly on two such hopefuls: Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie, a pair of 21-year-old wingers, who arrive at this pivotal juncture of their careers, having navigated vastly different developmental landscapes.
Two Paths, One Destination: Edmonton
Their shared destination is Edmonton, a city buzzing with the promise of NHL glory. Yet, their journeys to this common intersection could hardly be more distinct. Savoie, a St. Albert native, found himself blindsided by the business of hockey, traded to the Oilers organization from Buffalo. His response was to immerse himself in the grind of the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers` affiliate, gaining valuable professional seasoning.
Howard, on the other hand, a confident American, initially carved a more contentious path. Drafted 31st overall by Tampa Bay in 2022, his camp reportedly balked at the idea of starting his professional career in the AHL. A bold declaration, certainly, for a player yet to skate a single shift in a professional league. Now, an Oiler by trade, Howard exhibits a newfound pragmatism:
“Yeah, for sure,” he stated, when asked about reporting to Bakersfield if an NHL spot doesn`t materialize immediately. “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.”
One might detect a faint whisper of irony in that statement, considering his prior stance. Regardless, Howard has undoubtedly matured through the crucible of a salty breakup with his draft team, while Savoie has quietly, diligently, built his foundation.
The NCAA Dynamo vs. The AHL Grind
Their contrasting paths are most evident in their recent playing histories. Howard spent last season as an offensive dynamo for Michigan State in the NCAA, tallying an impressive 26 goals and 52 points in 37 Big Ten games. He aims for a “seamless jump” to the NHL, confident in his ability to play a two-way game and be “impactful” from day one. He believes his “winning hockey” style aligns perfectly with the Oilers` aspirations.
Savoie, meanwhile, was navigating the less glamorous, but arguably more rigorous, world of the AHL. His rookie season with the Condors saw him put up 19 goals and 54 points in 66 games. More crucially, it provided him with a tangible understanding of the professional game. He describes a shift in mindset:
“Within the organization, I know everybody. I have a kind of a feel for everything. 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.”
Bakersfield head coach Colin Chaulk succinctly articulates the value of Savoie`s time in the AHL, noting the “really big jump” from junior or college hockey. He highlights the subtle, yet critical, developments witnessed in Savoie:
“20-plus games with not a lot of offensive production, but what we saw was him blocking shots, playing with two hands and heavy on his stick, withstanding a heavier veteran of 400-500 games leaning on him. We saw him understanding when to take risks and when maybe just to live the fight another day. And that takes time. What we saw with Matt was becoming a young man.”
The Professional Polish: Why the AHL Matters
This is where the debate often crystallizes: raw offensive production in college versus the gritty, developmental polish of the AHL. Howard`s collegiate statistics are undeniably eye-catching, but Savoie accumulated his against seasoned professionals – men who, as Chaulk aptly points out, bring a different level of physicality and tactical astuteness to the game.
The AHL, in essence, serves as a vital bridge. It`s “heavier and is meaner. It`s harder,” Chaulk emphasizes. It`s a league designed to acclimate prospects to the relentless pace, confined spaces, and high-pressure decision-making demanded by the National League. Savoie has felt that pressure, learned to navigate it, and emerged with a deeper understanding of what it takes.
Howard, for his part, hopes to bypass this rite of passage, or at least abbreviate it. He possesses undeniable skill and confidence. But the path less traveled, particularly the one that bypasses the structured development of the minor leagues, is indeed a challenging one to forge on the fly, especially for a player aiming to contribute to a team already contending for a championship.
The Ultimate Test Awaits
As rookie camp gives way to the full main camp, the true test begins. Both players will face the ultimate scrutiny – not just from coaches, but from the established NHL veterans who guard their ice time with the tenacity of a hungry playoff team. Who will look more like an NHL player? The confident college standout or the professionally refined prospect?
The Oilers, and indeed the entire hockey world, will be watching closely. It’s a compelling narrative of ambition, adaptation, and the diverse routes young talent takes in pursuit of the ultimate dream. Whether through immediate impact or through the diligent climb, both Howard and Savoie are poised to write the next chapter of their promising careers, hopefully, one that contributes meaningfully to the Oilers’ quest for the Stanley Cup.