The Edmonton Oilers are serious about righting the ship after consecutive losses in the Stanley Cup Final. Sometimes, the situation calls for drastic measures and Kris Knoblauch might have one underway when it comes to Connor McDavid‘s young teammate. With a crucial NHL season looming, the pressure continues to mount in Alberta.
The back-to-back runner-up finishes indicate something is wrong in Edmonton. However, the Oilers have yet to figure out what exactly is holding them back. Knoblauch and company must find the root of the problem as soon as possible. As things stand, McDavid might not stick around to wait for the answer.
Whatever the main issue in Canada’s Oil Capital is, it must be patched. A player with McDavid’s status in the NHL won’t let his legacy be defined by losses in the Stanley Cup Final. His end goal won’t change, though, he will chase Lord Stanley—but he might not do so in Edmonton forever.
On that note, the Oilers are now taking matters into their own hands, leaving no stone unturned. Veterans and young players alike will be thoroughly evaluated, and anyone not deemed a fit for the system will be cast aside. Now, reports indicate if young talent Matt Savoie fails to blossom into a top-six forward, he could be made an example of.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers takes part in practice during the off day between games against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 12, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
“Savoie will get every chance to earn a spot on one of Edmonton’s top two lines this fall and winter. If he develops chemistry with Leon Draisaitl, he isn’t going anywhere,” The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell said. “However, if he struggles during the year, Savoie might get cashed for a more established veteran.”
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NHL News: Rookie forward could be a strong option for Connor McDavid’s Oilers to play alongside Leon Draisaitl
Two is a crowd
The Oilers will have their hands full during the 2025-26 campaign—there’s simply no denying it. In addition to their pursuit for the first Stanley Cup in over 30 years and the drama surrounding McDavid’s extension, Edmonton might be asked to play a babysitter’s role.
With the arrival of Isaac ‘Ike’ Howard, the Oilers might be depositing their hope on two youngsters to play big minutes night in and night out. It’s a risky strategy, for sure. Might be genius, might turn dangerously irresponsible—only time will tell.
“It’s difficult for ant Stanley Cup contender to develop two rookie skill wingers in the same season,” Mitchell explained on The Athletic. The Oilers could be playing with fire, and that’s certainly a bold choice.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers poses for his portrait prior to the 2024 Honda NHL All-Star Game on February 03, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario.
Time to prove it
Savoie, originally a first-round selection by the Buffalo Sabres in 2022, was sent to Edmonton in exchange for Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio in July 2024. The 21-year-old played just four NHL games since, however. He played mostly for the AHL afilliate Bakersfield Condors, where he put up impressive numbers.
During the 2024–25 campaign, Savoie tallied 54 points in 66 games, registering 19 goals and 35 assists, along with a +21 plus/minus rating. Staying in the positive won’t be an issue if he finds himself alongside Draisaitl or McDavid on one of the Oilers’ top lines.
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However, the 2025-26 NHL season will be a whole different monster for Savoie. The pressure in Edmonton is undeniable. For a young player taking his first real steps in the league, it can either make or break him. Born on New Year’s Day, Savoie will be determined not to drop the ball when his number is called at Rogers Place.
