How Matt Savoie Could Impact the Oilers’ Playoff Run

As the Edmonton Oilers continue to battle for a higher seed in the NHL Playoffs, they are simultaneously trying to get healthier as a team. With multiple players both day-to-day and on long-term injured reserve, it makes it more difficult to compete in a crowded Western Conference. However, with the trade deadline passed, they can now roster as many players as they want (as long as they are cap compliant until the playoffs begin). And there is one player in particular that could make a big impact if called upon.

Matthew Savoie has made four appearances with the Oilers this season, tallying one assist in that time. He has been tearing it up with the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors this season through 58 games, accumulating 18 goals and 46 points in total so far. He is a boost to any offence, and despite an already crowded forward group up in Edmonton, don’t count him out just yet. The Oilers have had some injury troubles this season, which could pave the way for the 2022 ninth-overall pick to step up when called upon. Many may think throwing a 21-year-old into a playoff environment is a bit crazy, but this certainly wouldn’t be the first time.

The Precedent Has Been Set

It’s not often that the young guys in the system get their shot with the big club in the playoffs, however, it does happen. There are a few recent cases you can look at where players actually made their NHL debut in the playoffs or came in with little experience. Cale Makar is one example. After losing out in the NCAA Tournament, Makar signed a deal with the Colorado Avalanche and immediately joined the team during their playoff run. And at just 20 years old, Makar scored in his first appearance in the playoffs, propelling his team to a win in that game. And the rest is history for one of the best on the blue line right now.

Now, obviously Savoie wouldn’t be making his professional debut in the postseason given he has played a few games, but it would be pretty close. His case is certainly not far off from the previously mentioned two. Even a player like Dylan Holloway, who only had roughly a season’s worth of games under his belt before making his playoff debut last season for Edmonton, was only 22 years old at the time. Players like this make it all the more possible.

How Savoie Could Get in the Lineup

Finding Savoie the right partners in the Oilers’ lineup wouldn’t be much of a problem, however, there are some things to consider. He has played with Leon Draisaitl a bit in his brief time with the big club, finding some success as well. Draisaitl has spent a lot of time with guys like Vasily Podkolzin, Viktor Arvidsson, and others while Savoie has been in the minors, so reuniting this pair may be tough. There’s also the issue of returning players such as Trent Frederic and Evander Kane, who would both potentially play well with Draisaitl.