Tonight, a new report from Allan Mitchell has indicated that Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie are both potentially facing a major demotion. Heading into the NHL preseason, the Edmonton Oilers were expected to lean on young stars Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard to play a significant role in the top-six. Now, with a couple of games played by each player both Savoie and Howard are in danger of major demotions according to Allan Mitchell who believes the lackluster play of the prospects will lead the Oilers to rely on other players. <h3>Oilers Reporter Believes Top Prospects Are In Danger Of Major Demotion</h3> In a recent article, Mitchell admitted that the Oilers are unlikely to give both Savoie and Howard top-six minutes especially on the same line. Mitchell believes this could mean if both players make the opening night roster one of them will be stuck on the fourth line. It is unlikely Knoblauch would play both Savoie and Howard on the same line, meaning one of the rookies could see action on the third line while the other would get fourth-line minutes. Long-term playing on the fourth line is detrimental to development so it could lead either Savoie or Howard to be sent down to AHL Bakersfield instead. Since Oilers coaches routinely scrap the fourth line for parts in-game, it's possible one of the two gets sent to the AHL Bakersfield Condors before opening night. If one player is going to be demoted it will more likely be Savoie as the <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-acquire-hobey-baker-finalist-in-blockbuster-prospect-trade-with-the-tampa-bay-lightning' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Oilers traded for Howard</a> after he refused to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning without a guaranteed NHL spot. As a result, it's safe to assume the Oilers guaranteed Howard an NHL opportunity leaving Savoie as the odd man out.