Expert Warns: Bowman’s ‘Non-Guys’ in Deadline Trouble with Oilers

As the NHL trade deadline of March 6, 2026 approaches, Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman faces a familiar crisis: a tight salary cap, dire need for a reliable top-nine forward and a top-four defenseman, and the relentless pressure to maximize Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s window. The Oilers are competitive in the Pacific Division, but have shown defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent secondary scoring – issues that could doom another deep playoff run.

To get what the Oilers need, Bowman will look at his prospect pool and determine who is expendable. Brian Curlock, who covers the farming system and the Bakersfield Condors extensively, wonders if some obvious names are in jeopardy. Few know the players coming out of the AHL as well as he does.

He pointed out the following in a recent post on X:

“Stan Bowman brought in Howard, Samanski, Hutson, Leppanen, Marjala and Carfagna. Editor’s note: I can’t stress enough how good this is for the organization. He also didn’t bring in Savoie, Jarventie or Akey. Keep that in mind as we approach the trade deadline.”

What exactly is he saying?

Are Savoie, Jarventie and Akey in danger?

Curlock argues that Bowman has made some smart, cheap additions – Isaac Howard (acquired via trade from Tampa Bay in the summer of 2025), Josh Samanski (transferred from the German League), Quinn Hutson (college free agent), Viljami Marjala, Atro Leppanen and Damien Carfagna – have revitalized the Bakersfield Condors. The AHL affiliate is thriving, with Howard dominating (multi-point nights, OT winners), Samanski quickly earning NHL memories and praise (now playing well in the Olympics), and Hutson showing he’s a player of the future.

These “Bowman boys” represent smart, sustainable building blocks for the future of the organization.

But as he also noted, “He didn’t land Savoie, Jarventie or Akey. Remember that as we approach the trade deadline.”

The subtext is clear. New GMs often prioritize “their” acquisitions, while viewing inherited assets as moveable pieces to reshape the roster.

Matt Savoy

Savoie, a former top-10 pick acquired from Buffalo before Bowman in the 2024 Ryan McLeod trade, is a full-time NHLer and a solid NHL rookie contributor on the third line. Allan Mitchell of The Athletic recently ranked Savoie the Oilers’ No. 1 moveable piece. He’s fast, smart, young, kills penalties…

Roby Jarventie

A winger with a big body from the Ottawa trade (pre-Bowman), Jarventie has overcome injuries and put up strong AHL numbers (cluster goals, physical presence). He is in the middle of the pack, but remains replaceable amid the influx of new talent.

Beau Akey

The right guard, a 2023 second-round pick (pre-Bowman), offers mobility and offensive potential but has flown under the radar with developmental issues.

To get what he’s aiming for, Bowman may have to make some tough choices. When push comes to shove, will he keep the boys he was given, knowing how much he loved them? Or will he move the players he got when he took over?

Trading “non-Bowman” guys like Savoie (for a big hire?), Jarventie (for depth help) or Akey (as a sweetener in a blue-line deal) preserves his vision.

This is of course speculative and Curlock is doing nothing more than making a logical guess.

Next: 3 Right-Shot Defensemen the Oilers could target in a trade