Oilers analyst believes top young rookie forward may not play in NHL for most of the season
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The Edmonton Oilers made a major trade to add a new top prospect in Ike Howard, but one analyst is pumping the breaks on expectations for him this season.
The Oilers are expected to bring up rookies Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard to have a chance to make next year's team, but there's a clear favourite for which player is most likely to stick in the lineup.
Oilers analyst pumps the breaks on expectations for rookie forward Ike Howard
According to a recent piece from Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell, there's some doubt among prospect experts that Howard could be NHL ready for next season. If he struggles early on, an assignment to the AHL may be in the cards.
I suspect the organization gives Howard every chance to thrive in preseason, but it's possible he'll land in Bakersfield this fall. He should dominate there, but you never know with prospects. Maybe the adjustment takes time.
I can say «I think Ike Howard is going to play in the NHL 20225-26, and if he can survive the early months, suspect he'll start contributing offense by mid-season».
- Allan Mitchell
Howard has been profiled by some prospect experts to be a nearly all-offence player. That kind of play style will be hard to keep on a cup-contending team, and may lead to an AHL assignment. The team will give him a fair chance, but it's possible he's just not NHL ready.
On the other hand, the floor of expectations seems to be higher with Matthew Savoie. Both players are the same age, but Savoie has had a full season of development in the AHL playing all situations - even including the penalty kill.
Prospect experts have called Savoie the best defensive forward on his team last season, which will be a skill that keeps him in the NHL lineup over a player like Howard.
The best case scenario for the Oilers is that both rookies immediately hit and can become NHL contributors. For the time being at least though, Savoie seems to be slightly ahead in the depth chart.
I can say «I think Ike Howard is going to play in the NHL 20225-26, and if he can survive the early months, suspect he'll start contributing offense by mid-season».
- Allan Mitchell
Howard has been profiled by some prospect experts to be a nearly all-offence player. That kind of play style will be hard to keep on a cup-contending team, and may lead to an AHL assignment. The team will give him a fair chance, but it's possible he's just not NHL ready.
On the other hand, the floor of expectations seems to be higher with Matthew Savoie. Both players are the same age, but Savoie has had a full season of development in the AHL playing all situations - even including the penalty kill.
Prospect experts have called Savoie the best defensive forward on his team last season, which will be a skill that keeps him in the NHL lineup over a player like Howard.
The best case scenario for the Oilers is that both rookies immediately hit and can become NHL contributors. For the time being at least though, Savoie seems to be slightly ahead in the depth chart.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 3 | 430 ANSWERS Oilers analyst believes top young rookie forward may not play in NHL for most of the season Do you think Savoie or Howard is more likely to stay in the NHL lineup? | ||
| Savoie | 130 | 30.2 % |
| Howard | 123 | 28.6 % |
| Both will | 177 | 41.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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