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Although he’s yet to play an NHL game with the Oilers, Savoie’s first season in Edmonton’s organization has been a strong one. (Photo by Leila Devlin/Getty Images)

Oilers Prospect Matt Savoie Is Finally Getting His Opportunity

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Matt Parks | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 10:20 AM ET

Edmonton Oilers top prospect Matthew Savoie is finally getting his chance with the big club during their upcoming five-game road trip. He was recently called up and was skating alongside Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin in the absence of 4 Nations Face-Off participants Connor McDavid and Viktor Arvidsson.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch stated that the 21-year-old rookie would suit up at some point during the road trip, but didn’t specify when. He will inject some much-needed youth into the lineup. Technically, it won’t be his NHL debut as he played one game for the Buffalo Sabres on Nov. 10, 2023, but he only had 3:55 of ice time in that contest.

The Oilers acquired Savoie from the Sabres in the summer, sending Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio the other way. This was a great deal for Edmonton as they got a legitimate prospect with top-six potential in exchange for a career third-line centre and a lower-end prospect. Savoie was drafted ninth overall by Buffalo in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and is on the cusp of cracking an NHL roster full-time. He had a slow start to the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), but he’s seemingly found his game as of late. In 45 games with the Bakersfield Condors, he’s registered 13 goals and 37 points with a plus-16 rating on a Condors team that struggles to score. Bakersfield is 24th in the league in goals, and last in their division with 136. However, he has 10 points in his previous 10 games. He deserves to get a look before the trade deadline because if he plays well that may alter the organization’s deadline plans.

Savoie Needs to Play

If Savoie is going to get some games, he needs proper ice time and legitimate linemates. Playing under 10 minutes a game in the bottom six will do nothing for his development. He needs skilled players surrounding him. It’s good that he was practicing with Draisaitl because that’s who he should play with. Savoie and Draisaitl have the potential to be a great defensive duo while providing elite offence. Savoie’s defensive abilities have been the most surprising part of his game, which is impressive considering his age. He’s learning to play the right way at the professional level, and that bodes well for his future in Edmonton. He’s playing a 200-foot game and his great defensive efforts have led to offensive opportunities. That type of play will translate well at the NHL level, especially on a line with someone of Draisaitl’s calibre.

Coach Knoblauch needs to give him some leeway and freedom. Usually, when young players make mistakes, they get stapled to the bench. As a result, players are afraid to make them, which often leads to more. That can’t happen because timid players are not effective. It’s easy for a youngster to lose confidence, so the best way to instill it is by letting them play through their mistakes. He will inevitably make errors, but the coaching staff can’t overreact. He’s a big part of their future, so they need to show trust in him.

Is This Just a Test Run for Savoie?

What are the chances that Savoie stays with the Oilers for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs? His stint with Edmonton should be performance-based. If he plays well, he should stay, but if not, he should finish the season in the AHL. He deserves an opportunity, but as mentioned earlier, he needs top-six ice time. Someone must completely play themselves out of a top-six role for Savoie to be a mainstay.

The St. Albert, Alberta native should be the only untouchable prospect this trade deadline. It’s important to have young players on cheap entry-level contracts (ELC) who will contribute soon, especially when Draisaitl, McDavid, and Evan Bouchard’s massive new deals inevitably kick in. Therefore, having Savoie in this organization is a valuable asset. He still has two years left on his ELC with a cap hit of $886,666. If he can contribute this season, then great, but he shouldn’t be rushed. The Oilers need to develop him properly and be patient with him. It’s important to give him a trial run to see what he’s got at the NHL level, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t stick with the big club. The rookie forward will undoubtedly be on the opening night roster next season.

It’s exciting to see what Savoie will do when he makes his much-anticipated Oilers debut. What’s his ceiling on this Oilers squad, and can he be the top-six winger Draisaitl desperately needs heading into the future? Keep following The Hockey Writers for all your NHL news and rumours throughout the rest of the season.