Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman has been aggressively adding young players to extend the team’s window of contention, but Coach Knoblauch isn’t playing them.
Connor McDavid settled on a 2 year contract after insiders reported his concerns about winning in Edmonton long-term with an aging forward core.
The Oilers now have a few young players on the roster who are crucial to the future of the organization, but it seems they haven’t yet earned the trust of Coach Knoblauch.
Oilers demote Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard to 4th line
At practice today, Oilers reporters revealed that Matthew Savoie has been demoted to the 4th line. He’ll join Ike Howard there, who’s already been limited minutes.
Noah Philp also will remain out of the lineup for a second straight game, after a standout effort and scoring his first NHL goal.
The @EdmontonOilers practice in Long Island:
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) October 15, 2025
Mangiapane-McDavid-Tomasek
RNH-Draisaitl-Roslovic
Podkolzin-Frederic-Kapanen
Howard-Henrique-Savoie
Janmark (IR)-Philp-Lazar
Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Stecher
Kulak-Emberson
Walman (IR)
Skinner
Pickard
Savoie and Howard are skilled players who have been given offensive opportunities at every level previous to the NHL. Now with the Oilers, they’re not in a position to succeed playing 4th line minutes with Adam Henrique.
Matthew Savoie in has refined his defensive game, and should be trusted with more minutes in the top six to allow his skill to flourish. Noah Philp has the defensive acumen and speed to clearly be a 4th line player. Given consistent minutes in meaningful roles, these players will continue to improve over the year.
Ike Howard on the other hand may need some more time developing with the minor league club. His poor defence could be excused, but he’s been easily physically dominated by the opposition.
When the Oilers are fully healthy, Howard should be sent down to play top minutes in the AHL. He’ll be able to get more ice time, build up strength, develop his game, and come back a better player - a much better plan for success than the 4th line of the NHL.
Oilers fans have seen this team mismanage young players far too often by putting them in difficult positions to develop. They need to get it right this time, and hope Savoie and Howard can extend the window to contend in Edmonton.