Connor McDavid leads the way as Oilers rookie Matt Savoie reveals candid thoughts on playing with NHL legends

Starting an NHL career can be daunting, but for Edmonton Oilers rookie Matt Savoie, stepping onto the ice alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has been both thrilling and eye-opening. The 2025-26 season began with a tough 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames, yet Savoie quickly discovered the intensity and professionalism required at the top level.

Observing two of hockey’s brightest stars in action is pushing him to raise his own game and embrace the challenges ahead.

Learning from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

“It just makes you want to push yourself to get better, I think, seeing the level they’re at, the way they train and handle themselves every single day,” Savoie told the NHL @TheRink podcast. “It’s just cool to see firsthand, see and experience it. It’s a privilege.”

Fellow Oilers rookie Ike Howard echoed similar admiration, reflecting on the daily exposure to elite talent.

“It’s pretty cool even to be asked about them,” Howard said. “To be able to talk about how dialed in those guys are and how good they are from a day-to-day standpoint. Get to know them. Seeing them every day is pretty special.”For both Savoie and Howard, learning directly from McDavid and Draisaitl offers invaluable insight into the habits, training, and mindset that make NHL stars so effective. Every practice, game, and locker room conversation is a chance to absorb lessons that could shape their careers.

Rookie challenges and the road ahead

Despite the excitement of sharing the ice with league legends, the season has presented challenges. So far, neither Savoie nor Howard has recorded a point in the 2025-26 season. Savoie has one career assist, earned during the previous campaign against the Philadelphia Flyers, while Howard is still awaiting his first NHL point.Still, both rookies remain optimistic, knowing growth in the NHL is gradual. With two of the game’s best as mentors, every game presents an opportunity to improve, adapt, and eventually leave their mark on the Oilers’ lineup. For Savoie and Howard, the journey is just beginning—but having McDavid and Draisaitl as guides makes the climb a little less daunting and a lot more inspiring.Also Read: Meet 'Tusky,' the Utah Mammoth’s new mascot, bringing mischief, excitement, and unforgettable moments to fans