Oilers coach revealed real reason why rookies were benched even after quality play
Photo credit: OilersNation
The Edmonton Oilers are finally moving Matthew Savoie into the top-six after playing depth minutes to start the year, which may have been the Coach's plan all along.
Savoie's promotion to the first line alongside McDavid and Draisaitl tonight is deserved after a stretch of quality play from the rookie forward. Of the Oilers newcomers, Savoie has shown the most well-rounded player, which may be the reason for the move up.
Oilers coach previously explained ice time plan for rookie forwards
Oilers fans have been clamouring to see Savoie and Howard moved up earlier this season, and to see their ice time bumped up from 4th line minutes. That may start to happen, slowly but surely.
Earlier this season, Coach Knoblauch explained that he wants the rookies to be in a position to succeed - and beginning on the first line may be a task they weren't ready for on opening night.
In fact, Knoblauch said he plans to have them in the top six by Christmas.
I absolutely don't think that for them to make this team they have to be playing with top guys and being in a prominent role. Our organization wants these guys to succeed and get into the top six and be there by Christmas and be there for years to come.
That's definitely the goal. But I don't think it's beneficial for the team and certainly not beneficial for the players if you put them in a position they're not quite ready for.»
- Kris Knobaluch
That's definitely the goal. But I don't think it's beneficial for the team and certainly not beneficial for the players if you put them in a position they're not quite ready for.»
- Kris Knobaluch
The Oilers are slow-playing their prospects, or at least not rushing them into roles they're not ready for. By earning the promotion to the first line tonight, it's evident Savoie's earned some real trust from the Coach.
Hopefully now Howard is next to continue taking steps forward and earn a look into the top six.
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