Oilers Should Avoid PTOs and Trust Their Young Forwards

With training camp approaching, there will inevitably be suggestions that the Edmonton Oilers should invite an unsigned veteran to camp on a professional tryout. Adding experienced competition may appear harmless, but it could interfere with something far more important: determining what Edmonton has in Matt Savoie, Isaac Howard and Josh Samanski.

The Oilers need younger and more affordable contributors surrounding Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. That will only happen if their prospects receive meaningful opportunities.

Savoie Needs a Strong Second Season

Savoie established himself as a full-time NHL player during his rookie season, recording 18 goals and 37 points across 82 games. He also contributed on the penalty kill and eventually earned an opportunity alongside McDavid late in the season.

His next challenge is demonstrating that he can become a consistent top-nine contributor. Edmonton should give Savoie opportunities to build on his rookie campaign instead of pushing him down the lineup for a veteran attempting to extend his career.

The Oilers invested heavily in acquiring Savoie, and his development must remain a priority.

Howard Needs Consistent Minutes

Howard’s first professional season included 50 points in 47 games with the Bakersfield Condors, but only five points across 29 NHL appearances. Those numbers demonstrate his offensive ability while emphasizing the adjustment required at the NHL level.

Edmonton will not discover Howard’s ceiling by placing him on the fourth line, regularly scratching him or limiting him to eight minutes per game. He should receive a consistent top-nine role and approximately 12–15 minutes each night, ideally alongside offensively capable linemates.

There will be mistakes, but allowing Howard to play through them could eventually produce a legitimate scoring winger on an inexpensive entry-level contract. The Oilers acquired Howard after he won the 2025 Hobey Baker Award, so they must put him in a position that complements his offensive strengths.

Samanski Should Centre the Fourth Line

Samanski recorded four points in 24 regular-season games with Edmonton before adding two points in five playoff appearances. Although his offensive totals were modest, he demonstrated a responsible two-way game and the versatility required for a bottom-six role.

Rather than signing a veteran centre to a PTO, Edmonton should allow Samanski to compete for the fourth-line job. Oilers assistant general manager Kalle Larsson has praised Samanski’s reliability and versatility, two qualities that could make him an effective checking-line centre.

A PTO might slightly improve Edmonton’s depth, but it could also block three players who may become important parts of its supporting cast. The Oilers have spent years searching externally for inexpensive contributors. This season, they should give Savoie, Howard and Samanski the chance to prove those answers already exist internally.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Senators, Maple Leafs & Oilers’ McDavid’s Year