Edmonton Oilers coach called out for holding back 2 key young players

GM Stan Bowman has actively targeted these young talented players in an effort to extend the Oilers' window to contend for the Stanley Cup - but they haven't met expectations quite yet.

Despite these players being so important to the Oilers future, they've been riding the bench for most of this year. Howard plays mostly 4th line minutes, while Savoie plays just a little more.

It seems the Oilers still haven't learned the lessons from slow-playing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. Edmonton seems to have a philosophy of making their rookies prove themselves time and again before earning a promotion.

However, the Oilers might be able to get so much more out of Savoie and Howard with elevated roles. Both players are offensive talents that have thrived mostly next to skill players, where their offence has more chance to shine.

Instead, they're playing mostly alongside 4th liners who aren't setting themselves up for success. It's arguable that both rookies may be better off in the AHL at this point, playing top minutes.

And while the Oilers have been playing their rookies less, Coach Knoblauch has been dialling up the ice time for McDavid and Draisaitl.

It's understandable that the coach is trying to win games, but it could be burning out the stars while icing the rookies. Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell believes it's because he doesn't trust Savoie and Howard.

The Oilers will need to take a hard look at their lineup, and make a decision with the rookies in their bottom six. They either need to be given a chance to prove themselves in meaningful roles, or replaced by players the Coach trusts for the 4th line.