Latest news with #MattSavoie
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Matt Savoie poised to take big step with Edmonton Oilers next season, says GM Stan Bowman
Photo credit: Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff Matt Savoie may be on the verge of a breakout season. Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman recently expressed confidence in the 21-year-old forward, suggesting that Savoie could take a major step forward in the 2025–26 campaign. With veteran departures creating lineup openings, and a need for penalty-killing depth, the spotlight is now firmly on the young forward to prove himself in training camp. Edmonton Oilers GM backs Matt Savoie for expanded role next season Stan Bowman didn't hold back when talking about Matt Savoie's future in Edmonton. 'There is some growth from within. I think Matt Savoie is probably poised to take a big step next year,' the Oilers GM said during a recent interview. With the exits of Connor Brown and Corey Perry in free agency, the Oilers have key roster spots to fill, particularly on the penalty kill. Savoie, acquired last summer in a trade that sent Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio to the Buffalo Sabres, impressed last season in the AHL with 54 points in 66 games for Bakersfield. But more importantly, his defensive responsibility and special teams play caught the attention of the Oilers' staff. Penalty kill and even strength performance key to NHL shot While Savoie played only four games with the Oilers last season, head coach Kris Knoblauch noted his reliability at even strength and his promise on the penalty kill. '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 5-on-5,' Knoblauch said. The Oilers believe Savoie's opportunity will lie primarily in shorthanded situations. '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,' Bowman emphasized. Youth movement could define Oilers' 2025–26 season With a veteran core still intact but the team falling just short of a Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons, Edmonton appears ready to inject youth into its lineup. Savoie stands out as one of the top candidates to step up and make an impact. Training camp will be his proving ground, and all signs point to a real chance at a full-time NHL role. If he delivers, Savoie could be one of the surprise contributors in a pivotal Oilers season. Also Read: Conor Timmins reunites with Maple Leafs' Bobby McMann and Joseph Woll at Coldplay concert in Toronto Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New York Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How many points can Oilers prospect Matt Savoie produce in his rookie season?
The Edmonton Oilers have cleared the deck for top prospect winger Matt Savoie. Former Oilers Corey Perry, Viktor Arvidsson and Connor Brown — who collectively scored 47 goals last season — were all moved down the line. Only Zach Hyman, the team's top right winger, will return from last season's veteran-laden group. Unless the Oilers plan on procuring talent from the August 35-plus contracts, it's impossible for this team to get older on the wing than in 2024-25. Advertisement For Savoie, it's a fantastic opportunity. For Edmonton management, it's a risk worth taking since there were no young value contracts in feature roles among the team's forwards a year ago. Savoie has speed, skill and showed impressive range in the AHL one year ago with the Bakersfield Condors. The opportunities for the young forward are exceptional. He could be spending time this winter with superstar centres Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, or both. What's a reasonable projection for Savoie offensively? One of the ways we can get a glimpse into an unwritten future is via comparable players who played in the AHL in previous seasons. Using specific criteria (points-per-game proximity), can we find wingers who played in the AHL and then became NHL regulars in the following season? How well did they perform? As it turns out, there are several players worth noting. Luke Evangelista of the Nashville Predators has many things in common with Savoie. Evangelista is listed at 6-feet and 183 pounds at while Savoie is 5-foot-9, 179 pounds at the same site. Both men are undersized for the position. Both have great puck skills and can score goals. As AHL rookies, at age 20, the two men delivered similar numbers: All numbers via Savoie has the edge as a scorer, although he's not a volume shooter. Accuracy and scoring from close range may benefit him with the Oilers this season. Savoie is a solid playmaker, although Evangelista had superior assist totals. The following season, at age 21, Evangelista delivered a solid rookie year for the Nashville Predators. He scored 16-23-39 in 80 games, just shy of 0.50 points per game. If Savoie delivered similar numbers, including 1.77 points per 60 at five-on-five, Oilers fans should be pleased with the output. There are some differences between the two players in their respective 20-year-old seasons. Evangelista played 24 games in his age-20 season, giving him a good idea about the pace and physicality of the league. Savoie received just a three-game look one year ago. Advertisement On the other hand, Savoie is the superior skater, with a top skating speed in the 92nd percentile, compared to Evangelista, who was below 50 percent in his rookie year. Another advantage Savoie could enjoy is the strength of his linemates. If he gets significant minutes with McDavid or Draisaitl, his numbers could zoom in a big way. Evangelista's rookie numbers at five-on-five (12-15-27 in 80 games, 0.34 points per game) included almost 600 minutes with Tommy Novak. Savoie should have the edge in quality of linemates. There are similarities between Marco Rossi's season (age 20) and Savoie's, but Rossi didn't go directly to the NHL for a full season at age 21. He owned a 0.84 points per game total in the minors at 20, and improved on it (0.96) at age 21. When he was 22, Rossi arrived as a full-time NHL player. He has delivered 0.49 points per game and 0.73 points per game in his two seasons with the Minnesota Wild. Rossi is a centre, making him less than an ideal comparable for Savoie. He has good speed, although shy of Savoie's numbers in 2024-25. Both were No. 9 selections in their draft years (2020 for Rossi, 2022 for Savoie), although the verbal surrounding Rossi then and now suggests more offensive torque for the Wild centre. Savoie and Rossi are not the comfortable fit that Evangelista-Savoie offer us, but it's worth noting there are similarities here. Conor Geekie played his AHL and NHL rookie seasons, age 20, in 2024-25 (same year as Savoie played his rookie AHL campaign). Although that distinction complicates things, it's a fabulous comparable because both men played in the WHL, AHL and NHL in matching seasons, same age. Here are the totals: All numbers via hockeydb Savoie was the superior junior player, the two men performing about equally in their rookie pro seasons. Savoie played in just four NHL games, so the points per game percentage, while interesting, is not to be trusted. These two players marched in lock step in the WHL and AHL since 2021-22, and give us another fascinating comparable. Advertisement Geekie is not the skater Lavoie is, while also being 6-foot-4, 207 pounds. He did play quite a bit at centre last season, so he would have the position advantage over Savoie. It's a very comfortable offensive comparable. Savoie has a possible advantage over his comparables (McDavid or Draisaitl on his line) that could make this entire exercise moot. The players I've listed here (Evangelista, Rossi, Geekie) are quality talents and have all played more NHL games than Savoie. There is uncertainty about the Edmonton player, but the numbers above suggest the only real issue is actually proving himself at the highest level. Savoie's brief time in the NHL was impressive; he touched the puck and made plays. He also survived the AHL, a league that often grinds fine offensive wingers into a fine white powder. Based on these comps, with the admission that Rossi has emerged as a 60-point player already and may skew the view, I think it's reasonable to project Savoie as a 0.50 points per game player in the NHL next season. More if he gets one of McDavid or Draisaitl as his regular centre, even more if he lucks into power-play time due to injury or opportunity. He may not play every game because NHL coaches are risk-averse. If we project Savoie for 60 games, 12 goals and 30 points, that would slide in with the delivery of his comparables at the same age. If he gets 80 games, then 40 points is a reasonable projection. The Geekie comp is so close it's unreal.
New York Times
13-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
What can Edmonton Oilers expect from 2025 European free-agent signings?
The Edmonton Oilers have added multiple wingers this summer, giving those positions a new look. Andrew Mangiapane and Ike Howard came via free agency and trade, respectively. Trent Frederic was a deadline deal re-signed before July 1. Veteran wingers no longer with the club include Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, Evander Kane and Corey Perry. Advertisement The rest of Edmonton's roster — goaltending, defence and centre — was mostly unchanged over the summer. Is the activity from general manager Stan Bowman summed up by Arvidsson, Skinner, Perry and Kane out, and Mangiapane, Howard and Frederic in? If we include top prospect Matt Savoie to make it four wingers out, four wingers in, does that describe the entirety of this offseason? Not quite. There are several players who are 2025-26 roster candidates for Oilers fans to keep in mind. It's especially important to look at the European activity by the organization. Last August, Mark Lazerus at The Athletic wrote about Bowman's time with the Chicago Blackhawks and what it could mean to the Oilers organization. Quoting Lazerus, 'Perhaps Bowman's biggest strength was his ability to land coveted European free agents. Artemi Panarin, Erik Gustafsson, Michal Kempny, Jan Rutta, David Kämpf, Dominik Kahun, Dominik Kubalik and Pius Suter all came over from Europe and made instant impacts.' We've seen a glimpse of what that might look like, and these names represent the hidden gems that could impact the Oilers roster this season and down the line. It's impossible to accurately evaluate European players who sign contracts after age 20. The league they play in, the lack of precise ice times (although the KHL and SweHL totals are widely available) and the absence of North American experience all make projections maddeningly vague. That said, Bowman found a few possible gems this spring and summer in Sweden, Finland and Germany. David Tomasek is the most intriguing name. He led the SweHL in points, and the Oilers won the race to sign him to a one-way deal. That means he'll be paid full freight even if he spends time with the AHL Bakersfield Condors. Tomasek's numbers (24-33-57 in 47 regular-season games, 17:51 per game) show a player who delivered strong offence efficiently at even strength and on the power play. His 20 percent shooting percentage (24 goals in 120 shots) is unlikely to sustain in the NHL, but it represents enough quality to suggest he could have scoring success. Advertisement Atro Leppanen is a chaos defenceman (defined as high risk, high reward) with enough offensive torque to be intriguing. He went 21-42-63 in 60 Liiga (Finland's top pro league) last season, breaking the points record for a defenceman while averaging 23:33 per game. He's 6-foot, 183 pounds and will turn 27 about two weeks before Christmas. His time is now. Leppanen is a left-handed defenceman, so his chances of making the Oilers at any point next season are not high unless injuries hit. Edmonton currently employs veterans Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, Brett Kulak and Jake Walman on the left side. Still, the offence delivered by this player suggests it is at least possible he surprises everyone this fall and winter. Viljami Marjala is 22 and ranks as Edmonton's No. 13 prospect currently. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2021, he did play two seasons in the QMJHL (Quebec Remparts) and showed great passing ability. That has continued back in Finland, where his 2024-25 boxcars (8-44-52 in 54 games) are extreme for a winger. He averaged 18:26 per game. Marjala does play some centre, and may land a feature role at that position with the Condors this fall. Fans will want to see how much speed he delivers in the AHL. Scouting reports have him as a good skater, but not above average. It's the most common issue for players as they enter the AHL-NHL from Europe. Josh Samanski played in Germany's top league (DEL) one year ago and averaged 18:22 per game. He scored 14-26-40 for the Straubing Tigers, the top point total on the team. Samanski is 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, and should stand out in the crowd in Bakersfield this season. Samanski played in a solid pro league, but it lags behind the SweHL and Liiga in terms of quality. He should fill a middle-six role for the Condors in 2025-26, and at 23, he has room to grow. A good way to handicap each player's spot on the pro depth chart, and chances of making the NHL this coming season, is by looking at the AHL-NHL contracts. Tomasek has a clear shot at making the Oilers this fall. The contract Bowman signed with the player tells us that much. It means he will get a long look in training camp, but it doesn't guarantee a spot on the opening night roster. Tomasek is 29, which is an advanced age for a player to make the jump from a top European league to the NHL. In his Chicago days, Bowman signed younger players. Panarin and Gustafsson were 23 as NHL rookies, Kubalik and Suter 24, Kempny 25, Rutta 27. Advertisement A cynical Oilers fan might point to the legend of Jiri Dopita, who arrived via trade from the Philadelphia Flyers after his NHL debut season, age 32, in 2001-02. He was a disappointment the following season as an Oilers player, and since then, the fan base has been wary of any skater dubbed 'the best player outside the NHL.' Training camp will be here soon, and that will decide the immediate future for all four European free-agent signings. Late September and early October is the period where NHL hopes meet harsh reality. Bowman's European players may not make a dent on the NHL roster, but they are definitely worth the risk. In a time when young Condors should be pushing for NHL time, there is only one forward (Savoie) with a strong chance to make the team. Bowman could sign a bunch of aging NHL free agents in August to value deals, and that may yet come. In the meantime, the four signings from spring will have their say at training camp. The smart betting has Tomasek playing in 40-plus NHL games, Leppanen getting 1-10 games and Marjala and Samanski building their pro resumes in Bakersfield. (Photo of David Tomasek: Daniela Porcelli / Getty Images)
New York Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Could Isaac Howard or Matt Savoie break Edmonton Oilers' Calder Trophy curse?
In just shy of 45 NHL seasons, the Edmonton Oilers have produced some of the most brilliant first-year players in league history. Despite names like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl playing their rookie seasons in Edmonton, no Oilers player has won the Calder Trophy as the league's rookie of the year. Advertisement From rule changes specifically designed to exclude Gretzky to injuries that derailed McDavid's rookie year, it has been a baffling journey. Throw in some wayward voting (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was robbed), and we are here. All of which brings us to Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard. The young wingers are the latest hope for an Edmonton player to win the award, with positive indicators everywhere. Can either win the Calder Trophy this season? When it comes to rookie right wingers, the Oilers crop in 1980-81 ranks with the all-time best for an NHL team. Jari Kurri (75 games, 32-43-75) and Glenn Anderson (58 games, 30-23-53) were instant plug-and-play impact wingers and would go on to Hall of Fame careers. Savioe is unlikely to reach those heights, but is trending in a positive direction. Using points per game at each level, and comparing his career to Oilers right wingers over the last 15 years, we get some good indicators for the young forward. All numbers via hockeydb Savoie delivered the strongest WHL season in the group, an exceptional campaign at age 19. Last season's AHL points per game ranks first as well, although Jordan Eberle skipped the minors and came right to the NHL. Oilers general manager Stan Bowman cleared the decks on right wing for Savoie (or high-octane Swedish league forward David Tomasek) this summer. Edmonton walked 75 percent of last year's depth chart (Viktor Arvidsson, Connor Brown and Corey Perry) via trade and free agency, giving the position a fresh look. If Savoie can find his way at even strength early in the NHL season, there's a chance he gets five-on-five time with McDavid or Draisaitl. Zach Hyman's injury calls his availability at the start of the year into question. It may allow the rookie to get a push. Even if his scoring is shy early, helping his line deliver more than 50 percent of the goal share (as he did in Bakersfield) would allow him to stay in the lineup. Advertisement If he can post offence in that role, there's an outside chance he sees power-play time. It's rare for an Oilers rookie to get substantial minutes. In the last 10 seasons (beginning with McDavid's rookie year, 2015-16), only McDavid has scored more than five points (3-11-14 in 45 games) among freshman forwards, via Savoie probably needs some time with the man advantage to have a chance at the Calder. Oilers fans are familiar with Savoie, but not much is known about the newly acquired Howard. Bowman traded for him Tuesday night in a one-for-one deal for right-handed centre prospect Sam O'Reilly. The deal was followed immediately by the announcement that Howard had signed a three-year, entry-level deal with Edmonton. Howard is a pure goal scorer and a welcome addition to the Oilers' depth chart at left wing. He was identified by scouting sources as being a gifted goal scorer before the 2022 draft, when he was taken No. 31 by the Tampa Bay Lightning. His draft day scouting reports all involved discussion of his scoring prowess: Howard was noticeable on draft day for his numbers, highlight package and unique suit. He earned the nickname 'Ice Man' during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, and progressed as a goal scorer through three NCAA seasons. He scored six goals as a freshman, eight as a sophomore and blossomed during his junior year with 26 goals for Michigan State. His final NCAA season in 2024-25 featured exceptional scoring highlights and a lot of buzz about Howard turning pro. In the early hours after the deal, the hype was strong about Howard's ability to make the leap to the NHL next season. It's fair to look at some of the verbal with a critical eye, but there's a player here, and Howard's main skill (goal scoring) is going to get him a long look. Advertisement Bowman didn't clear the decks on left wing in the way the right wing saw movement, but the Oilers ran Vasily Podkolzin (eight goals in 82 games) on Draisaitl's line for much of last season. Howard will stand out in the crowd as a quality goal-scoring prospect this fall. Savoie and Howard are important players for a team that badly needs young, inexpensive skill to blossom and become part of the future. The trade by Bowman resets the youth on this roster in a most productive way. High-end, young talent on value deals is exactly what this team required, giving the coaching staff myriad options for the skill lines. No one should expect both to thrive immediately, so the idea of a rookie of the year award is no easy sell in July. However, both men may have a chance to play with McDavid or Draisaitl, and that alone gives the duo an advantage over other Calder Trophy hopefuls. Bowman is infusing the roster with badly needed youth and may have sewn the seeds for the one trophy that has eluded the Oilers organization for almost 45 seasons: the Calder. (Photo of Matt Savoie: Andy Devlin / NHLI via Getty Images)
New York Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Sabres thoughts: The Bowen Byram situation could define Kevyn Adams' summer
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres might not be done tweaking their roster, but general manager Kevyn Adams is running out of options to improve this team. When he addressed reporters Wednesday, roughly 24 hours after NHL free agency had opened, he expressed confidence in the roster he has now. 'We like where our group is at in terms of where our roster sits today, but we'll always look to get better if there's something that makes sense,' he said. Advertisement That's a similar refrain to the one Adams had this time last year after he re-worked Buffalo's fourth line and signed Jason Zucker. A few days after free agency opened, Adams ended up trading top prospect Matt Savoie for Ryan McLeod in what was arguably the most impactful move he made all summer. But that team last season finished with 79 points and spent a large chunk of the season in last place in the Eastern Conference. So while there might still be moves coming this summer, the question on July 3 is whether Adams has done enough to end this playoff drought. It's the same question Sabres fans have been asking ever since this version of the Sabres teased fans with a 91-point season in 2022-23. That summer, Adams stood by his roster, making a few additions on defense and bringing back the same forward group. The next season was a step back, and the offseason brought a coaching change and five new forwards. That resulted in yet another step back. Now, here we are again in a familiar offseason. Adams is back for a sixth season and walking a tightrope of his own creation. His first move of the summer was trading 23-year-old forward JJ Peterka, who wanted out of Buffalo after just three seasons. Adams got back defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan, two players who fill clear needs for the Sabres. He's facing a similar dilemma with Bowen Byram. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent after setting a career high with 38 points. Adams views him as an elite defenseman, but Byram hasn't yet put pen to paper on a contract, trade rumors are swirling and now there's the threat of an offer sheet. Adams emphatically stated that the Sabres are prepared to match any offer sheet. He said the team has been 'strategic' about saving cap space for just that possibility. That cap space could become a point of contention again when the dust settles this offseason. The Sabres currently have $12.8 million in cap space with only Byram, defenseman Conor Timmins and goalie Devon Levi still to sign. Levi could start the year in Rochester. Adams is being a little extra cautious about the possibility of a Byram offer sheet of $9 million or more. Advertisement But if he trades Byram, his preference is to do it for players who will help the Sabres be a better team this season. That might mean getting multiple players like in the Peterka trade. It might mean packaging a pick or prospect with Byram to get a better player than Byram. Either way, it's an acknowledgement that there are clearly ways to still improve this team. At the moment, the plan looks like it will be to replace Peterka's goals by committee. Doan could chip in some offense. Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich and Jack Quinn could all take steps forward. But that feels like asking for a lot to go right. The real objective of the offseason, though, was to allow fewer goals. Only the Blackhawks and Sharks allowed more goals than the Sabres did last season. Buffalo's additions on defense should help, and so should the forwards they added. This team will be tougher and more defensively responsible. But subtracting Byram from that picture would make things murkier depending on what comes back in that trade. That's what makes judging this offseason tricky. The Byram situation will help define the summer. If he's back, is this roster good enough to make the playoffs? And if he's not, do the pieces coming back change that equation? If the answer to either of those questions is no, this offseason will again be defined by the players who wanted to leave Buffalo. 'We have to win hockey games,' Adams said when asked about the idea that players don't want to come to Buffalo because of the persistent losing. 'I could stand up here and I can lay out our plan. I can tell you exactly why we've made the decisions we've made. I can tell you why I think we've done a good job in terms of putting ourselves in a strategic position when it comes to the Byram situation. But ultimately we have to win games starting in October. If we win hockey games, we earn the respect around the league.' Here's what else we gathered from Adams' media availability. 1. As of July 1, Alex Tuch is eligible to sign a contract extension. He was the best two-way forward the Sabres had last season. He had 36 goals and 31 assists but also led the NHL in short-handed goals and set a new NHL record for blocked shots in a season for a forward with 113. Add in what he brings as a leader in the locker room and the community, and Tuch is one of Buffalo's most important players. His next contract should be a big one, likely exceeding $8 million per season. Adams met with Tuch's agents this week. The two sides had previously met at the NHL Scouting Combine. Adams said before the draft he's assured Tuch that he's a priority. 'Obviously there's not a pressure point like there is in other situations,' Adams said. 'I did sit down with his agents yesterday or whatever the day was recently and just explained exactly how we feel about Alex. That will be ongoing. There's not the pressure point with other decisions at this point.' Advertisement That pressure point will soon present itself, though. Tuch has one year left on a contract that pays him $4.75 million per year. He'd be sought after on the trade market and would also be a commodity if he were to hit unrestricted free agency next season. The longer Tuch goes unsigned, the more pressure Adams should feel to get it done. 2. The decision to not extend a qualifying offer to Jacob Bernard-Docker was a surprising one for reasons we covered earlier this week. Adams said the team viewed him as an eighth defenseman on their depth chart. Had the Sabres qualified Bernard-Docker, he would have had a chance to go to arbitration and get a reward that would have been higher than the $875,000 salary the Red Wings gave him. Of course, the Sabres could have walked away from the ruling if it was higher than they wanted to pay. If they held on to him, maybe they could have gotten a draft pick for him. But what this comes down to is the Sabres viewed Bernard-Docker as their eighth defenseman, which is to say, they didn't have a lot of faith in him. That surprised me considering Adams spoke at the end of the season about Bernard-Docker playing well with Owen Power. The depth chart now has a lot more lefties on defense than righties, but Adams said he was comfortable with the balance. 3. The Sabres traded away Sam Lafferty for a sixth-round pick and replaced his role with Justin Danforth, a 32-year old forward who can play center and wing. His two-year contract that pays $1.8 million per year suggests he will have a semi-permanent place in Buffalo's lineup to start. Danforth can play center and wing and was one of the top forecheckers in the league last season when it comes to recovering dump-ins. Adams deferred the decision on where Danforth would play to Lindy Ruff, but said he's a valuable 'glue guy' in the locker room. 4. Mason Geertsen has not played in the NHL since 2021-22 when he was with the New Jersey Devils. He's been stuck in the AHL since that season. But he might have a chance to occasionally crack Buffalo's lineup. Geertsen is a known tough guy, willing and able to fight. Adams didn't mince words about that particular role. 'We needed it,' he said. 'I just think that it's a unique skill set and he brings it and he's proven it.' Both Buffalo and Rochester have been lacking that type of presence, so wherever Geertsen plays, he'll be welcome. Advertisement 5. Because people are always curious this time of year, let's touch on some of the free agents still available. Nikolaj Ehlers is the biggest name out there, but that doesn't seem like a realistic target for Buffalo. Jack Roslovic is an intriguing name coming off a 22-goal season in Carolina. He's a bit of a one-dimensional player, but he would help replace some of Peterka's offense at a smaller cost. The defenseman to watch is Dmitry Orlov. He took a step back last season, but if the Sabres move Byram, he's one of the few players left on the free-agent market who might be able to replace him. But the market is pretty picked over at this point. (Top photo of Bowen Byram: Timothy T. Ludwig / Imagn Images)
