Analyst reports Oilers could trade one rookie winger at deadline

With the March 6 trade-deadline approaching, Matt Savoie and Ike Howard have been cited as the Oilers' primary trade chips for a major acquisition.

In fact, so too has Quinn Hutson; the three are Edmonton's most NHL-ready of their prospects and therefore the most-coveted by other teams.

With Edmonton's draft capitol diminished and the their salary cap depleted, any potential deal will probably include at least one of these names.

The question for GM Stan Bowman is, who is expendable? In my opinion, they are essentially the same player, in terms of role, ability and stature.

All three are smallish, skilled wingers, and with the exception of Savoie, are scoring at the same high-rate in the AHL; and they all have the potential for an NHL career.

Savoie is on a cost-controlled entry-level contract through 2026-27. While he is a key part of the current roster, insiders suggest he would likely be required in a package for an elite player like Artemi Panarin, in order to offset salary cap constraints.

On January 12, 2026, the 23-year Hutson signed a two-year contract extension with the Oilers at a cap hit of $875K through the 2027-28 season.

Isaac Howard signed a 3 year deal, at a $950K AAV through 2027-28.

There really isn't much to differentiate the three.

At the start of the year, Savoie and Howard were viewed as the Oilers' top-prospects. Since then, Hutson has solidified himself at the team's best offensive prospect, production-wise.

Each will garner interest from other teams, and depending on who comes back to Edmonton, all three could be considered by Bowman as being expendable.

Winning a Stanley Cup this year is the team's priority. If a trade target that tips the scale can be acquired at the dead-line, then I imagine it won't make a difference who goes.

Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Blues provide injury update to forward after scary collision with McDavid