Scott Wheeler from The Athletic has included Oilers prospects, Ike Howard (49) and Matt Savoie (53), in his Top 100 NHL draft prospects.
The future of the Edmonton Oilers looks bright, and the franchise’s commitment to building through the draft continues to pay dividends as several young players are beginning to make waves in the prospect pool. Among the latest to be recognized for their potential are two promising Oilers prospects, Ike Howard and Matt Savoie, both of whom were included in Scott Wheeler’s Top 100 NHL Draft Prospects list published by The Athletic.
Wheeler’s list has become a staple of the NHL scouting community, with his rankings offering a detailed look at some of the most exciting prospects eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft. For the Oilers, seeing Howard and Savoie on this prestigious list represents a significant acknowledgment of the potential these young players bring to the table.
As the Oilers continue to compete for championships, these young talents could play key roles in the team’s future success, contributing to a blend of established veterans and emerging prospects. Let’s dive deeper into why Ike Howard and Matt Savoie earned their places on this list and what they bring to the Edmonton Oilers’ farm system.
Ike Howard, a forward for the U.S. National U18 Team, checks in at #49 on Scott Wheeler’s Top 100 list. Howard, a left winger, has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the Oilers system, and his inclusion in the rankings is no surprise to those who have been following his development over the past few seasons.
Howard is a highly skilled player with excellent hockey sense and vision. His ability to process the game quickly allows him to make plays in tight spaces and capitalize on offensive opportunities. At 6’0″ and 185 pounds, Howard is a well-rounded forward who combines speed and physicality, making him a tough player to handle on both ends of the ice. While he is still refining his overall game, Howard’s offensive upside is undeniable.
Howard has a high hockey IQ and excels at reading the play. His passing and playmaking ability are among his standout traits, allowing him to create scoring chances for his teammates and control the flow of the game in the offensive zone. Howard’s agility and quickness make him a dangerous player in transition, and he can also finish plays around the net when given the opportunity.
In terms of physicality, Howard is more than capable of holding his own. While he may not be the biggest forward, he plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to get involved in the corners or along the boards. His two-way game is solid as well, and he has shown that he can be trusted to kill penalties and play responsible hockey in all situations.
The Edmonton Oilers have been looking to add more depth to their forward group, and Howard could be a future top-six winger who brings both skill and versatility to the table. If he continues to progress as expected, Howard has the potential to be a key contributor for the Oilers in the near future, providing the team with an offensive spark and playing a vital role in their quest for a Stanley Cup.
Matt Savoie, ranked at #53 on Scott Wheeler’s list, is another top prospect for the Oilers, and his skill set has generated significant excitement among fans and scouts alike. Savoie, a center, plays for the Winnipeg Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and is known for his elite offensive ability and high hockey IQ. At 5’9” and 179 pounds, he may not have the physical stature that some scouts prefer in a top prospect, but his talent and skill more than make up for it.
Savoie is a dynamic playmaker who has the vision to make creative passes and set up scoring chances for his teammates. His ability to read the game and anticipate plays is what sets him apart from other prospects. He’s extremely dangerous with the puck and can make something happen in a split second. Whether it’s his ability to find open space or create opportunities through his skating, Savoie has all the tools to be a top-tier NHL center.
Savoie’s skating is one of his greatest assets. His speed and agility allow him to make sharp cuts and maneuver around defenders with ease. He is also incredibly skilled at creating separation from his opponents, making him a dangerous threat in one-on-one situations. What makes Savoie such a unique talent, however, is his ability to read the ice in a way that most players his age cannot.
He sees the game in a way that is beyond his years, and his decision-making with the puck is consistently at a high level. Whether he’s setting up teammates with a perfect pass or taking matters into his own hands with a quick release shot, Savoie has the ability to make an impact in almost every offensive situation.
While his size may be considered a drawback by some, Savoie’s quickness and puck skills more than compensate for his lack of height. His ability to make plays in tight spaces and his tenacity around the net make him a nightmare for opposing defenders. Savoie is also a strong defensive player, using his speed and anticipation to disrupt the puck and create turnovers.
The fact that both Ike Howard and Matt Savoie have earned spots on Scott Wheeler’s Top 100 NHL Draft Prospects list is a testament to the strength of the Edmonton Oilers’ prospect pool. While the team is already competing at a high level with stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, building through the draft remains crucial for sustained success in the NHL.
As the Oilers look to continue their efforts to build a Stanley Cup contender, having players like Howard and Savoie in the pipeline will provide the team with much-needed depth and flexibility moving forward. Both players are projected to be NHL-ready within the next few seasons, and their skill sets could complement the current core in Edmonton.
For the Oilers’ management team, the inclusion of Howard and Savoie on such a respected list provides additional validation for the direction they have taken in recent drafts. While the Oilers have certainly had their share of high draft picks in the past, Howard and Savoie represent an exciting wave of talent that could pay off in the long term.
The Edmonton Oilers have long been known for their high-end talent at the NHL level, but with players like Howard and Savoie emerging as top prospects, the future is looking even brighter. These young players represent the next generation of Oilers, and they could play pivotal roles in the team’s pursuit of Stanley Cup championships in the years to come.
While it will take time for both Howard and Savoie to adjust to the NHL game and make their marks at the highest level, their inclusion in Scott Wheeler’s Top 100 list only adds to the excitement surrounding the Oilers’ development program. Fans of the Oilers can look forward to seeing these talented prospects continue to grow and hopefully become key contributors for the team in the near future.
For both Howard and Savoie, the immediate future involves continuing to develop and showcase their skills in their respective leagues. Howard will continue to play for the U.S. National U18 Team, where he will have the chance to gain valuable experience against top-tier competition. Savoie, on the other hand, will continue his development with the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL, where he will look to build on his already impressive track record.
Both players are expected to be among the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft, and the Oilers will likely keep a close eye on their progress as they continue to mature as players. Given the potential both Howard and Savoie have, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one or both of them in Edmonton’s lineup within the next few seasons.
The inclusion of Ike Howard and Matt Savoie in Scott Wheeler’s Top 100 NHL Draft Prospects is a clear indicator of the growing depth in the Edmonton Oilers’ prospect pool. These two players represent the future of the franchise, and with their combination of skill, hockey sense, and competitive drive, they are poised to make an impact at the NHL level in the near future. For Oilers fans, the addition of these promising talents to the system is another reason for excitement as the team looks to build a championship contender not just for today, but for years to come.
