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Matt Savoie’s Making Connor McDavid Look Even Better

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 3:55 PM ET

Oilers fans, if you’re paying attention, something big might be changing with the team. Matt Savoie had himself a night against Nashville on Sunday, scoring the game-winner and finally snapping that eight-game goal drought.

And get this—he did it skating between Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman. The 22-year-old young guy from St. Albert might just have the kind of timing and skills to make that top line even stronger. And if he does, that’s saying a lot.

Savoie Stays on Oilers’ Top Line Even After RNH Returns

Savoie isn’t just some young guy the Oilers tossed on top because they felt sorry for him. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returned from his personal leave, and Savoie stayed on the top line. That tells you coaches see something special. He’s smart with the puck, quick on his feet, and willing to go into the tight spots without flinching.

All that is a recipe for top-line success. And don’t forget, even while he wasn’t scoring, he had five assists in those eight games. The guy’s been doing the work quietly.

Put him with McDavid and Hyman, and suddenly Savoie’s ice opens up like magic. McDavid draws defenders because he becomes some kind of human magnet, and Savoie sneaks through, fires off shots, and finds space to make things happen. Nine shots on goal in three games? Not bad for a kid still finding his groove at this level.

Looking at Just Savoie’s Numbers Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Let’s be honest, the raw stats — 11 goals, 27 points, 98 shots on net in 68 games — don’t tell the full story. Savoie is skating at 22-plus miles per hour, pushing through offensive zone starts, and learning the subtle art of playing with elite talent. That’s stuff that doesn’t show up on the scoreboard until you notice him completely changing the way a line plays.

If Savoie keeps riding shotgun with McDavid, he’s going to learn a ton—and produce even more. He’s got the tools, the smarts, and the confidence starting to click. For Oilers fans, or anyone who loves watching a kid grow into a top-line forward, Savoie is your guy.

Watch the next game — the kid might just put a marker down that says, “I’m here to stay.”

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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