Oilers' strategic move: Savoie steps Up as Edmonton rebalances its roster
Earlier this offseason, a significant trade maneuver by Oilers President Jeff Jackson saw the Edmonton Oilers securing Matthew Savoie from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Ryan McLeod.
This trade not only stirred the waters but also positioned Savoie as potentially the top prospect for the Oilers. Savoie, who was picked ninth overall by the Sabres in the 2022 NHL Draft, has quickly ascended in expectations, potentially stepping onto the ice for the Oilers as early as this season.
The dynamics within the team could shift dramatically, particularly with Dylan Holloway's potential departure to St. Louis, following an offer sheet. Such a move would undoubtedly open up opportunities for Savoie, potentially seeing him make the roster as soon as training camp. The links to the official statements from the Oilers and the Blues underscore the pivotal nature of these developments:
Savoie's journey through hockey has been marked by his exceptional skill and scoring prowess. At just 17, he notched an impressive 90 points in Junior hockey, with his performance only enhancing as he matured. Last season was particularly challenging for Savoie, having played for four different teams, yet this year promises more stability, which could be pivotal for his growth. Now at 20, returning to junior is no longer an option, and he was initially poised to start in the AHL.
However, Edmonton's current financial predicament-being $7M over the salary cap-complicates matters. The offer sheet from St. Louis puts additional pressure on the Oilers. If the management concludes that Savoie offers more value now and in the foreseeable future compared to Holloway, they might opt to promote Savoie ahead of schedule. Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson hinted that Savoie could be the key to filling any potential gaps left by Holloway.
With just three days left to respond to St. Louis's offer sheets, the Oilers are at a critical juncture. The decisions made in the coming days will significantly shape the team's strategy and roster for the upcoming season. As Edmonton weighs its options, the possibility of Savoie stepping in to fill the void appears increasingly plausible, signaling a new chapter for the young forward and the Oilers alike.
| POLL | ||
Is it likely that Matthew Savoie will be an Oilers player this season? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 73.8 % |
| No | 17 | 26.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
