The Edmonton Oilers announced they’re banking on internal development to push them over the top next season. General manager Stan Bowman believes 21-year-old Matt Savoie is among the players ready for a breakout campaign.
“There is some growth from within. I think Matt Savoie is probably poised to take a big step next year.”
Bowman told NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest.
The Oilers acquired Savoie from the Buffalo Sabres last offseason. Edmonton traded Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio to get him.
Savoie spent most of the 2024-25 season in the AHL, putting up 54 points in 66 games. He made four appearances with Edmonton and recorded one assist.
The 5-foot-9 forward was drafted ninth overall in 2022. Buffalo originally selected him for his offensive skills and speed.
But Savoie added something new to his game last season.
He started killing penalties in Bakersfield. That’s created an opportunity with the main club because Connor Brown left in free agency. Brown was one of Edmonton’s top penalty killers.
“With Savoie, the one thing that I’m very optimistic about is penalty kill and how good he was in Bakersfield in that role. He didn’t have any penalty-kill time when he was with us, but certainly, we saw him being a reliable two-way player at five-on-five.”
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said the penalty kill creates Savoie’s best path to the roster.
“The opportunity for Savoie is on the penalty kill, not that he can’t be on the power play, but I definitely see him being a big part of our penalty kill.”
If Savoie’s defensive game continues developing, he could work his way into a top-six role. That would put him alongside either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Savoie still has two years remaining on his entry-level contract. That makes him an attractive option for a team managing the salary cap.
The young forward knows what’s at stake.
“I’m really motivated to push for a spot and be a big contributor for that team. They’re so close to winning the Stanley Cup, and there is no better opportunity to put yourself into.”
