Edmonton Oilers have a perfect new linemate for Connor McDavid this season
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The Edmonton Oilers have several young prospects that are projected to be top-4 forwards, and who may very well be playing for the team this coming season.
The two prospects with the most potential, and highest upside, however, are Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard, both 21 years old, and both expected to play on the Oilers' top line/s. Yet, how does head coach Kris Knoblauch position them to ensure the best course of development, and future success?
Matt Savoie and Ike Howard could bring new life to McDavid line
One analyst believes, to get the highest returns from their rookies, is to line them up with Connor McDavid. This hardly seems like a ground-breaking plan; McDavid is, after all, the most talented forward in the world, who's raised the game and production level of all who've played alongside him.
"My random August Oiler thought on the new season is I hope Connor McDavid is willing to dig in and trust a young, high skilled player on his wing. Doesn't mean he hasn't wanted to. I just mean I hope this is the year it comes together...the results will be spectacular."
Yes, Connor McDavid will raise the game of whomever plays alongside him on the top line. However, these are highly-skilled and highly-touted prospects, in their own right. Isaac Howard was the Hobey Baker Award winner last year for the best NCAA player.
"Isaac is a shoot-first player," Senior Director of Hockey Operations, Kalle Larsson said. "I think it's exciting that he loves to score, he's good at finding the soft ice in the O-zone, and his shot is high end. He can also make plays and can really skate, but his ability to find soft spots and finish are what stands out."
An effective penalty killer, Matt Savoie is also expected to make the jump to the NHL next season, and is thought highly of by Kalle Larsson.
"He's a very explosive skater, he can really, really skate, his top speed is high end. I think with his first year in pro, he showed that he's not just a one-trick pony, he's not just an offensive guy and I think that versatility in his game, allows him to compete for more spots on the team."
That spot may just be next to Connor McDavid, who is at the center of pretty much everything the Oilers do, even with an excellent roster, and world-class players that challenge even the Captain to be his best.
This attitude and approach to the game has a positive, net affect on young players, who see day-in and day-out how to compete as a pro. Vasily Podkolzin, a 24-years old RW, is another possible candidate.
Yet, whomever plays alongside Connor will definitely be the beneficiary of his world class talent.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 12 | 306 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers have a perfect new linemate for Connor McDavid this season Which player is more likely to play on top line with Connor McDavid? | ||
| Isaac Howard | 156 | 51 % |
| Matt Savoie | 65 | 21.2 % |
| neither | 85 | 27.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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