Oilers analyst warns of potential disconnect between Coach and GM
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers are bringing both Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard onto the NHL roster, and they need both players to work out.
Coach Knoblauch recently revealed that Savoie and Howard are expected yes to start the season in the bottom 6, but the organization has plans to quickly promote them. Even though they're two unproven rookies, they may be some of the most important players in Edmonton.
Oilers need to play Savoie and Howardas much as possible to reap benefits
Although the Oilers may have a sound strategy to slow-play Savoie and Howard at the NHL level, they're offensive players that will need time and skilled teammates to get the best out of them. These players eventually need to play top 6 minutes.
In the past, like with Broberg and Holloway, the Oilers have been far too deferential to veterans and let their rookies sit on the bench. In this case, the Oilers need both rookies to hit - that's why the GM acquired them.
Analyst Allan Mitchell explained why the team can't afford a disconnect between the coach and GM on ice time for these two players.
Connor McDavid turns 29 in January, Leon Draisiatl turns 30 in October. Of course, Zach Hyman is 33 and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is 32.
So, even if David Tomasek has a great season on a skill line, he'll be 30 by spring. Knoblauch has to do find a way to include youth, and did so last year with Vasily Podkolzin.
However, Matt Savoie is right there, ready for the opportunity. Stan Bowman acquired Ike Howard for a reason. The Oilers can ill afford another era where the coach and general manager are not on the same page. Not now.
- Allan Mitchell
So, even if David Tomasek has a great season on a skill line, he'll be 30 by spring. Knoblauch has to do find a way to include youth, and did so last year with Vasily Podkolzin.
However, Matt Savoie is right there, ready for the opportunity. Stan Bowman acquired Ike Howard for a reason. The Oilers can ill afford another era where the coach and general manager are not on the same page. Not now.
- Allan Mitchell
If Connor McDavid is looking for an environment to consistently compete for a Stanley cup on his next contract, the Oilers will need to replenish their aging forwards, and Savoie and Howard are their best chances.
Hopefully these two quickly earn an increase in ice time to start the season, and can hit the ground running in their rookie years.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 384 ANSWERS Oilers analyst warns of potential disconnect between Coach and GM Do you think Savoie and Howard should play top 6 minutes? | ||
| Yes | 198 | 51.6 % |
| No | 186 | 48.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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