Oilersnation’s Summer 2025 Prospect Countdown – No. 1: Matthew Savoie

Savoie’s path has been mostly linear for a high-end Western Canadian prospect. The Winnipeg ICE selected him with the first-overall pick in the 2019 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, months after Hockey Canada declined his exceptional-status bid to play in the league at 15 years old.

Despite that, he still saw WHL playing time in 2019-20. Under a partial-season allowance, Savoie appeared in 22 games for the ICE and recorded seven assists. With the 2020-21 WHL schedule in flux due to COVID-19, he joined the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints and produced 38 points in 34 games.

Savoie finally played his first full WHL season in 2021-22, scoring 35 goals and 90 points over 65 regular-season games for Winnipeg before adding 12 points in 10 playoff games. He came into that summer’s draft expected to go somewhere in the first half of the first round, likely in the top ten. Here’s what Elite Prospects had to say about him in their Draft Guide at the time.

“Heavy crossover use and constant motion propel his high-pace, constantly attacking approach, making his every puck touch an opportunity to create a scoring chance. Then Savoie stacks a brilliant first touch, handling skill, an in-stride wrister, and one- and two-touch passing ability on top of that skating and pace combo to ensure many of those chances aren’t for naught.”

The Buffalo Sabres selected Savoie ninth overall and signed him to an entry-level deal a few weeks later. He returned to the WHL in 2022-23 and posted 38 goals and 95 points in 62 games, then added 29 points in 19 playoff games.

The young forward was in the mix to play with the Sabres in 2023-24, but an injury during the team’s rookie camp derailed the early part of his campaign. Savoie joined Buffalo’s AHL club on a conditioning loan in late October and recorded five points in six games. He was called up to make his NHL debut, and was returned to the WHL after just one game.

In his final WHL season, Savoie overwhelmed the field. He opened with the relocated Wenatchee Wild (formerly Winnipeg) and posted 11 goals and 24 points in 11 games, then recorded 47 points in 23 following a trade to Moose Jaw. He added 24 points in 19 playoff games as the Warriors captured the franchise’s first WHL Championship.

The Sabres moved Savoie the following off-season, sending him to Edmonton for Ryan McLeod and prospect Ty Tullio. Early returns are solid for both clubs: McLeod produced 20 goals and 53 points in his first year with Buffalo, while Savoie was an AHL All-Star in his first pro season, posting 54 points in 66 games for Bakersfield.

The Oilers brought up Savoie for a cup of coffee in the NHL last February following the 4 Nations Face-Off. He picked up an assist in his debut with the Oilers and was sent back to the AHL after four games. During that stint, the club’s top prospect didn’t look out of place at all. There’s a decent chance he’s played his last game for the Condors.

Though drafted as a centre, Savoie will play on the wing as he transitions to the NHL. His pace, retrievals, and quick touches fit next to puck-dominant centres, and wing usage simplifies matchups while he builds pro strength for interior minutes. With time and experience, Savoie could eventually become a versatile threat for Edmonton, playing both centre and wing depending on the team’s need.

Top Prospects Countdown…

• Honourable Mentions
• No. 10: Eemil Vinni
• No. 9: Paul Fischer
• No. 8: Dalyn Wakely
• No. 7: William Nicholl
• No. 6: Maxim Beryozkin
• No. 5: Roby Jarventie
• No. 4: Beau Akey
• No. 3: Samuel Jonsson
• No. 2: Isaac Howard