Oilers analyst predicts team will take strict approach with 2 new players
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In a recent article of The Athletic, analyst and hockey writer Allan Mitchell wrote about how he believes the Oilers' head coach will utilize his two youngest rookie-wingers this season.
In the analyst's opinion, Edmonton will qualify for the post-season this year, whatever Howard's and Savoie's roles are in the lineup.
Why would Knoblauch slow-play both men? Several reasons, beginning with because he can. No matter what happens with the two rookies this season, Edmonton is destined to make the playoffs.
Other reasons include the quality of these prospects and what expectations may be come the spring and the postseason.
It's going to take some time to build trust, and one can guess that process has already begun. Both men have good possession numbers five-on-five and have posted crooked numbers offensively. It appears they are destined for the third and fourth lines to start, and will have to work from there.
- Allan Mitchell
Other reasons include the quality of these prospects and what expectations may be come the spring and the postseason.
It's going to take some time to build trust, and one can guess that process has already begun. Both men have good possession numbers five-on-five and have posted crooked numbers offensively. It appears they are destined for the third and fourth lines to start, and will have to work from there.
- Allan Mitchell
Analyst speaks to Knoblauch's approach and style for coaching 1st-year wingers
Though it's true that neither Ike Howard, nor Matt Savoie has earned a top-4 role this preseason, both have demonstrated their skills and potential at various times throughout the exhibition games, good enough, in fact, to earn a roster spot lower down the lineup.
A prudent, cautious approach seems to me the best one where his young players are concerned; they must earn their roles in the NHL, given that Howard has yet play a regular season game and Savoie only 5.
Head coaches put their players in positions to succeed and a top-6 role may be too soon, and Kris knows what he's doing behind the bench, given his trips to the Finals the two NHL seasons, and the backing of an organization that has extended him for an additional 3-years.
Knoblauch's plan for the two young wingers involves getting them into enough game-situations so as to earn their places in the roster. And it won't be long, really, when at least one of Howard and Savoie will be playing top-6 minutes, if the preseason is an indication of their ability to compete at NHL level.
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