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Two Oilers' prospects ranked among the NHL's top 100 young players
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Young Oilers Isaac Howard and Matthew Savoie have been ranked in the top 100 NHL prospects by experts.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman knew what he was getting when he acquired 21-year old Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie. Now the rest of the hockey world can read for themselves why the two top Oilers' prospects come so highly regarded.
Two Oilers ranked in NHL's top 100 prospects
Hockey analyst Schott Wheeler has published his 2025 edition of the top 100 drafted NHL prospects, where he rates Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie as the 49th and 53rd best young talent respectively.
»Howard is a player with the kind of track record of success that nearly always translates.
There are times when he can look like an all-offense player, but when his effort level and tenaciousness match his skill level, you'll see him around the puck all game. Howard is a player who is always going to have PP utility, but will require the right coach, usage and linemates to be the impactful top-six winger I think he's capable of being at five-on-five.»
- Scott Wheeler
There are times when he can look like an all-offense player, but when his effort level and tenaciousness match his skill level, you'll see him around the puck all game. Howard is a player who is always going to have PP utility, but will require the right coach, usage and linemates to be the impactful top-six winger I think he's capable of being at five-on-five.»
- Scott Wheeler
With the NCAA's Michigan State last season, Howard recorded 26G and 26A in 37 games played, and in 2024, won gold with the US World Juniors, scoring 7G and 2A in 7 games played.
Howard is indeed an offensive dynamo with a strong skating ability that will go a long way in securing him a top-6 role with the Oilers.
Not to be outdone, Matt Savoie also has no shortage of skills and will be competing for a role among the Oilers' top-9, as the 53rd ranked NHL prospect.
"Savoie's game has some exciting elements when he's at his best.
I remain a believer in him becoming a high-tempo, top-nine forward. He has been prone to injuries over the years, though, and staying healthy is going to be really important."
- Scott Wheeler
I remain a believer in him becoming a high-tempo, top-nine forward. He has been prone to injuries over the years, though, and staying healthy is going to be really important."
- Scott Wheeler
Hockey analyst James Connelly believes, in fact, that Matt Savoie, with his high offensive skillset and ceiling, could be a dark horse for the Calder Trophy, if he plays alongside McDavid or Draisaitl.
High praise for some top-rated prospects. Both Howard and Savoie have what it takes to succeed at the next level, and will get every opportunity to show that they belong, as Stan Bowman believes they do.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 29 | 315 ANSWERS Two Oilers' prospects ranked among the NHL's top 100 young players Do you believe Isaac Howard will make the Oilers' roster next season? | ||
| yes | 251 | 79.7 % |
| no | 64 | 20.3 % |
| List of polls | ||