Scott Wheeler of The Athletic ranks Oilers prospects Ike Howard (49) and Matt Savoie (53) in his Top 100 NHL Draft prospects, highlighting Edmonton’s promising pipeline of young talent.

The NHL Draft is more than just a night of celebration—it’s the foundation of a franchise’s future. And when a respected analyst like Scott Wheeler of The Athletic releases his list of the Top 100 NHL prospects, people across the hockey world take notice. For the Edmonton Oilers, the inclusion of Ike Howard (No. 49) and Matt Savoie (No. 53) on that prestigious list is more than recognition—it’s validation.

Validation that the Oilers have not only kept their championship window open but have also built an increasingly promising pipeline of elite young talent ready to carry the torch into the next era.

A Closer Look at the Players

Ike Howard: Speed, Skill, and Smarts at No. 49

Howard is everything a modern NHL winger should be: agile, aggressive, and offensively wired. Standing just under 6 feet tall, the American-born forward possesses an impressive mix of hockey sense and natural ability. He burst onto the international scene in his U18 season with Team USA and has only sharpened his game since then.

His ability to anticipate plays, find space in the offensive zone, and finish in tight spaces makes him an exciting player for Oilers fans. What sets Howard apart is not just his top-end skating, but the creativity and confidence he brings to every shift. He doesn’t shy away from responsibility and has demonstrated leadership skills beyond his years.

From a scouting perspective, he fits seamlessly into Edmonton’s long-term vision—a quick transition offense, high-pressure forecheck, and sustained scoring support behind the stars. If developed properly, Howard could be the kind of top-six winger who can slide next to a playmaking center and thrive.

Matt Savoie: A Balanced Two-Way Threat at No. 53

If Howard brings the dazzle, Matt Savoie brings the discipline. Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, Savoie found his way to the Oilers in a strategic prospect trade. He was already a high-end draft pick—a player once projected to be among the top ten in his class. His drop to the middle of the first round didn’t reflect a lack of talent but rather circumstances, team needs, and positional depth.

Savoie is a highly intelligent, two-way center. Despite being slightly undersized for a traditional NHL center (just under 6 feet tall), he makes up for it with elite vision, tenacity on the puck, and the kind of hockey IQ coaches dream of. He’s the type of player who can quarterback a power play but also win key faceoffs in the defensive zone.

For the Oilers, this is huge. Depth down the middle has been a question mark in recent years behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. If Savoie continues his upward trajectory, he could be the perfect middle-six center—possibly even a second-line staple should Draisaitl eventually move to wing or depart in free agency.

Scott Wheeler’s Rankings: Why They Matter

Scott Wheeler is one of the most respected voices in the hockey scouting community. His rankings aren’t based solely on box scores or highlight reels; they’re the result of hours of film study, personal scouting, and conversations with coaches, development staff, and NHL front offices. When a player makes his list—especially the Top 50—it indicates that the prospect is more than just promising; he’s seen as someone with genuine NHL impact potential.

For the Oilers, having two players land in the top 55 reflects an internal development strategy that’s working. It’s not just about drafting high—it’s about identifying fit, investing in skill development, and surrounding young players with the right resources. That’s exactly what the Oilers have been doing in recent years.

A Changing Identity in Edmonton

For years, the narrative around Edmonton was simple: McDavid and Draisaitl carry the team. And while that remains partly true—few teams boast such elite top-end talent—the emergence of a strong prospect pipeline signals a shift.

The inclusion of Howard and Savoie on Wheeler’s list suggests the Oilers are no longer just relying on a “win-now” core. They’re building for sustainability. When the window inevitably shifts, or if they lose star power due to cap constraints or free agency, players like Howard and Savoie will be asked to step into more prominent roles.

And if Wheeler’s evaluation is correct, they’ll be ready.

Where They Fit in the Oilers’ System

Ike Howard’s Role

Howard projects as a middle-six winger with upside. In the short term, he could begin in Bakersfield (AHL) as early as next season, where he’d get top-line minutes and special teams responsibilities. A strong AHL campaign could earn him a call-up, especially if the Oilers deal with injuries or struggle with scoring depth.

Long-term, he has the ceiling of a second-line winger who can slot alongside a high-end playmaker. His game would pair well with someone like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or even Draisaitl, who thrives when flanked by skilled, responsible linemates.

Matt Savoie’s Role

Savoie’s timeline might be slightly more advanced. He has already shown flashes in both the AHL and brief NHL stints. He’s a strong candidate to make the Oilers’ roster in the next 1–2 seasons, possibly anchoring the third line and taking on penalty-killing duties.

With his defensive awareness and ability to create plays under pressure, he could also become the go-to guy in late-game situations—something Edmonton has lacked outside of their top stars.

The Bigger Picture: Edmonton’s Drafting Resurgence

The Oilers have had their share of drafting criticism in the past—especially during the early McDavid years, when many first-round picks failed to pan out. But under the current management structure, there’s been a noticeable shift toward smarter, more balanced drafting.

Howard and Savoie’s inclusion in Wheeler’s Top 100 is a symptom of that strategy bearing fruit.

More importantly, both players complement Edmonton’s existing roster rather than duplicating it. They bring different strengths—Howard’s explosiveness and offensive creativity; Savoie’s reliability and vision—allowing the team to build more complete forward lines over time.

Potential NHL Comparisons

While no two players are ever exactly alike, NHL comparables help illustrate the type of impact these players could have.

• Ike Howard: Think Jason Zucker or Victor Olofsson—not superstars, but consistent secondary scorers with strong offensive instincts who can pop for 20+ goals in a good year.

• Matt Savoie: He resembles Bo Horvat or Brayden Point in the way he blends offensive creativity with a strong commitment to both ends of the ice.

If either of these prospects even reaches 80% of those comparisons, the Oilers will have struck gold.

Fan Perspective: Hope on the Horizon

For Oilers fans, the journey over the last decade has been filled with both promise and frustration. There’s always pressure when you have generational talent on your roster. You want to win now—but you also fear what happens if the core breaks apart.

Seeing players like Howard and Savoie emerge brings hope. Not just because they could become stars in their own right, but because they suggest something deeper: the Oilers are planning for the long game. They’re preparing for life beyond their current window, and they’re doing it with smart, skilled, and well-developed players.

Final Thoughts

The inclusion of Ike Howard and Matt Savoie in Scott Wheeler’s Top 100 prospects is more than a feather in the cap of Edmonton’s scouting department—it’s a sign that the franchise’s vision is maturing.

These are two players with very different styles, but a shared trait: the potential to shape the next era of Oilers hockey. Whether it’s two years or five, Howard and Savoie will be key pieces in the puzzle—providing balance, energy, and skill to support Edmonton’s pursuit of long-term success.

The future is coming fast. And thanks to prospects like these, the Oilers look more ready than ever.