Head coach Kris Knoblauch has put together a third line of three rookies: Quinn Hutson, Matthew Savoie, and Isaac Howard. It’s the kind of move that generates buzz, and understandably so—these guys can all play.

Howard sounds pretty pumped about the opportunity, and his enthusiasm hints at why this could work.

“That would be exciting. Both those guys are great players, fast, shoot the puck, pass. Young too,” he said when asked about playing with Savoie and Hutson. “So I think that would be fun, and I think we’d have potential to do some pretty good things out there.”

The speed and skill are there. They’ve skated together at various points before, which helps. But there’s an obvious reality check that needs to happen here: they’re all rookies learning what it takes to compete at this level every night. The mistakes will come, and the learning curve against veteran NHL players is steep.

Knoblauch understands the risk he’s taking, particularly at centre ice. Savoie has experience at the position, but not much as a pro—he’s spent most of his professional career on the wing. Now he’s being handed significant responsibility down the middle, which is no small ask.

“(One negative is) not having a real NHL centre. Savoie’s played it, he’s spent most of his time there, but not in his professional career. He’s been mostly a right winger and some left wing, and now we’re giving him a huge opportunity to play centre,” Knoblauch explained. Still, he sees the upside: “I guess the positive is three guys that can just play their game. You see Hudson and Howard playing so well in Bakersfield, and they’re not going to feel any pressure.”

That’s likely the plan — let them play freely without overthinking things. Expect Knoblauch to ease them in, matching them against fourth lines initially while they find their rhythm. It’s smart deployment that gives them a chance to build chemistry without getting overwhelmed.

If it clicks, the Oilers gain a legitimate scoring threat. If not, they’ll learn where these prospects stand in their development. Either outcome provides value.

Lines and Pairings

RNH-McDavid-Hyman
*Mangiapane-Draisaitl-Roslovic
Howard-Savoie-Hutson
Janmark-Henrique-Frederic

Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Regula
Stastney-Emberson

Pickard

Vasily Podkolzin was absent due to illness Friday, with Andrew Mangiapane taking his spot during line rushes. But don’t read too much into it — Podkolzin is expected to play. That likely means Mangiapane is headed for another healthy scratch, continuing what’s been a frustrating stretch for the veteran winger. It’s becoming a familiar pattern for Mangiapane, who’s struggled to cement himself in the lineup consistently. For now, he’s just keeping a spot warm while Podkolzin recovers.

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