The Edmonton Oilers are turning back the clock with a fresh injection of youth, as a new trio of prospects takes the ice together. For Saturday's home game against the Philadelphia Flyers, the team will deploy a line consisting of Ike Howard, Quinn Hutson, and Matt Savoie, evoking memories of the franchise's famous 'Kid Lines' of the past.
A New Generation Takes the Stage
This youthful combination was on full display during a spirited practice at Rogers Place on Friday morning. The line brings together three promising talents who have been turning heads in the American Hockey League (AHL) and earning their shots with the big club. Matt Savoie, who just turned 22 on January 1st, will make a notable position switch, moving from his usual spot on the wing to centre, a role he excelled in during his junior career in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
He will be flanked by two recent call-ups from the Bakersfield Condors. Quinn Hutson, who celebrated his 24th birthday on New Year's Day, and Ike Howard, the youngest of the trio at 21, have been lighting up the AHL. Howard was just named the AHL Player of the Month for December after an explosive performance that saw him tally eight goals and 16 points in just 11 games. Hutson, a free-agent college signing and older brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, sits fourth in AHL scoring.
Historical Echoes and Current Questions
The Oilers have a rich history with youthful trios. The most famous and effective 'Kid Line' was the 1990 unit of Adam Graves, Martin Gelinas, and Joe Murphy, which played a key role in the organization's last Stanley Cup victory. Another notable young line featured Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, and Robert Nilsson during the 2007-2008 season.
The immediate question now is the staying power of this latest iteration. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the experiment, stating, "There's some benefits to this (line combination), and some negatives, maybe. We have to decide (as the game wears on) if the pros outweigh the cons." Savoie has played 41 games with the Oilers this season, recording seven goals and 13 points, but exclusively as a winger, often alongside Leon Draisaitl.
Roster Moves Create Opportunity
The promotion of Howard and Hutson comes amid other roster adjustments. Winger Andrew Mangiapane was a healthy scratch recently and is reportedly a player the Oilers are trying to trade. His practice placement beside Draisaitl may simply be a placeholder for the ill Vasily Podkolzin. The forward group is set to get even more crowded when Kasperi Kapanen returns from long-term injured reserve (knee) possibly next week.
For Howard and Hutson, this is another chance to prove they belong. Howard began the season with the Oilers, averaging 9:29 of ice time over 17 games and recording two goals and an assist before his mid-November assignment to Bakersfield. Hutson scored his first NHL goal in Boston during a brief three-game call-up before the Christmas break. Their proven chemistry on the Condors' top line has earned them another look with the NHL club, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Oilers lore.
