Edmonton’s rookie forwards Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie are settling into NHL life by studying the standards set by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Watching how the stars train and carry themselves each day has become a guide for the newcomers as they adjust to the pace and expectations of the league.
New Experiences for Rookie Players
The pair spoke on a league podcast from the NHL’s New York office a day after taking part in the Oilers’ 2-0 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The visit also doubled as their first trip to New York City. Savoie is from St. Albert, Alberta, and Howard is from Hudson, Wisconsin, and both described the city’s energy as a memorable first impression.
Edmonton continues its road swing with games against the New York Islanders on Thursday at UBS Arena and the New Jersey Devils on Saturday at Prudential Center. These matchups are crucial for the team as they seek to build momentum in the early part of the season.
The podcast episode also covered wider league storylines, including Boston’s strong start and goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Buffalo’s early struggles, first impressions of Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the Rangers’ home scoring woes, and the potential impact of Brady Tkachuk’s injury on the Ottawa Senators and his availability for the 2026 Olympics. Additionally, Montreal defenseman Lane Hutson’s new contract was discussed, showcasing the dynamic nature of player movements within the NHL.
As Howard and Savoie continue to learn from the best, their experiences and interactions during this pivotal time will undoubtedly shape their careers. The commitment to excellence demonstrated by veterans like McDavid and Draisaitl serves as a powerful motivator for the young players, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success in the NHL.