Two Oilers' rookies expected to contend for the Calder Trophy

The 21-year old Savoie excelled at every level he's played, including the AHL during his first pro-season, where he was 2nd in U-21 scoring with 19G and 54 points in 66 games with Bakersfield Condors.

As a result of his skill and ability to enforce his game in top-level competition, some hockey analysts believe there is a good chance Matt will be a Calder Trophy candidate in 2025-26.

Yet, he's not the only Edmonton prospect expected to compete for rookie of the year. According to Insider Gordon Munro, the newly acquired Oiler and 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner also has the potential to keep pace with the NHL's top-freshman.

In Savoie's case, he is expected to compete for a top-4 role with the Oilers, and will likely play of the top line with McDavid. There is telling what his ceiling will be, given his dynamic play and quickness, both with his skating, and his stickhandling, which is considered elite.

In Isaac Howard's case, the 21-year old finished his 2024-25 season with Michigan State scoring 1.2 PPG. His 1.4 PPG in junior ranked 1st nationally, and his 0.70 GPG ranked 3rd, as per Michigan State. He helped his team achieve a number 1 ranking in the NCAA in both year he played with the Spartans.

In addition to winning the Hobey Baker Award, Isaac Howard was a Big Ten Player of the Year (2025), Big Ten 1st All-Star (2025), as well as an NCAA West 1st All-American. High accolades for a player whose ceiling is also quite high.

What these two standout prospects can do under the right circumstances has fans and Oiler analysts eager with anticipation. Yet, competing for a Calder Trophy will be only the beginning, a both Howard and Savoie have the make-up and pedigree to have successful NHL careers.