Oilers coach reveals Savoie and Howard's expected places in lineup
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers are trying to introduce more youth into their lineup with Savoie and Howard this season, but they won't see top six minutes right away.
Both rookie forwards will be a wild card entering this season, but Matt Savoie has the inside track of being an impact player after a year of development at the pro level. Fans want to see these players get lots of ice time to keep developing, but that may not be the case.
Oilers coach reveals exact ice time plan for Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard
Speaking to the media today, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch directly explained that both Savoie and Howard will start the year in the bottom-six, with a plan of increasing ice time through the season if they stick. Simply put, they'll have to earn their ice time.
»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
As high-end young talents and important players for the future of the team, fans want to see these players get as much ice time as possible off the bat. However, the Oilers are still taking a patient approach to their development.
Both players will need to prove themselves defensively, physically, and under pressure before seeing the promotion to the top-six. They'll need to build up their game, instead of potentially starting higher and being bumped down.
If either of Savoie or Howard can pop this season, the Oilers will be in a great place. It's critical for their long-term success that both players develop into their star level ceilings.
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