Why Matt Savoie’s rookie AHL season proves worthy of an NHL audition – The Athletic
Matt Savoie’s rookie AHL season has been one of the most anticipated and closely watched storylines for the Buffalo Sabres organization in recent years. A highly touted prospect, Savoie entered the American Hockey League (AHL) with a reputation for his skill, vision, and playmaking ability. His success in his first professional season has proven that he is not only ready to make an impact in the AHL, but that he deserves a serious audition with the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). In this article, we will take a deep dive into why Matt Savoie’s rookie AHL season is worthy of an NHL call-up, analyzing his performance, development, and the potential impact he could have at the highest level of the game.
Background on Matt Savoie
Before we dive into Savoie’s rookie AHL campaign, it’s essential to understand the context behind his rise as one of the top young prospects in hockey. Born in 2004, Matt Savoie was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the 9th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Prior to being drafted, Savoie played for the Winnipeg ICE in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s most dynamic and electrifying players. His combination of speed, creativity, and elite puck-handling ability made him a standout player at the junior level, and many experts believed he had the tools to make an immediate impact in the NHL.
Savoie’s trajectory through junior hockey was impressive. During his time with the ICE, he posted a points-per-game rate that consistently ranked among the league’s best. His vision and ability to distribute the puck with precision were particularly lauded, as he consistently set up his teammates for scoring opportunities. He was also able to put up impressive goal-scoring numbers, which helped make him an exciting player to watch. Given his impressive skill set, it came as no surprise that Savoie was selected as high as he was in the draft, and the expectations for his future were sky-high.
Transitioning to the AHL
After the draft, Savoie’s progression took him to the AHL, where he was assigned to the Rochester Americans, the Sabres’ affiliate. While moving from junior hockey to the professional ranks can often be a difficult adjustment, especially for players who are still young, Savoie has seamlessly made the transition and has quickly adapted to the AHL’s level of competition. In doing so, he has demonstrated that his game is not only ready for the rigors of professional hockey but also that he is on track to make the jump to the NHL in the near future.
In his rookie season, Savoie has consistently been one of the most impactful players on the ice for Rochester. His offensive prowess has translated effectively to the professional ranks, and his ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates has been evident throughout the year. He has demonstrated a high level of hockey IQ, constantly reading the game well and positioning himself to make plays. His ability to adjust to the speed of the AHL game has been impressive, and he has proven that his skill set is a natural fit at the professional level.
Offensive Production and Creativity
One of the most compelling reasons why Matt Savoie’s rookie AHL season warrants an NHL audition is his impressive offensive production. Throughout his career, Savoie has been known for his ability to make plays and generate scoring chances. He has carried that skill over into his time with the Rochester Americans, where he has consistently been one of the team’s top offensive contributors.
Savoie’s vision and playmaking ability have been among his greatest strengths in his rookie AHL season. He possesses an innate ability to read the ice and find open teammates with quick, precise passes. Whether he is threading a needle through traffic or setting up a player for a one-timer, his passing ability has been a defining feature of his game. In addition to his passing, Savoie has shown the ability to finish plays as well. His shooting accuracy and quick release have made him a legitimate goal-scoring threat. He’s not simply a playmaker; he’s someone who can capitalize on scoring chances when they arise.
Through his offensive play, Savoie has demonstrated that he can compete at the professional level. His consistent point production, combined with his high hockey IQ, has made him one of the most dynamic players on the ice for Rochester. If he continues to perform at this level, there is little doubt that he will soon be ready for the challenge of playing in the NHL.
Adjusting to Professional Hockey
While offensive production is important, the ability to adjust to the overall pace and physicality of professional hockey is just as crucial for any player looking to make the jump to the NHL. For Savoie, his transition to the AHL has been smooth. Despite being one of the younger players in the league, he has shown maturity beyond his years in his ability to compete against older, more experienced players. His strength on the puck has improved over the course of the season, and he’s shown that he is not afraid to engage in physical battles along the boards or in front of the net.
Additionally, Savoie has displayed a willingness to improve his defensive game. While his primary strengths lie in his offensive contributions, he has made noticeable strides in becoming a more well-rounded player. His commitment to improving his play away from the puck and his ability to backcheck and support his defense have been encouraging signs that he is developing the complete game necessary for success in the NHL.
For players like Savoie, the biggest challenge often comes in adjusting to the size and strength of opponents at the professional level. Many rookies in the AHL struggle with the increased physicality, but Savoie’s ability to handle contact and maintain control of the puck has been one of the most promising aspects of his development. If he can continue to grow his physicality and maintain his offensive output, he will be well-prepared to compete in the NHL.
Special Teams Contributions
Another key aspect of Savoie’s game that makes him deserving of an NHL audition is his ability to contribute on special teams. In the AHL, players who excel on the power play and penalty kill often get noticed by NHL coaches, as these skills are highly transferable to the highest level of hockey. Savoie has been a key contributor on both sides of the special teams equation for the Rochester Americans.
On the power play, Savoie has demonstrated his excellent vision and passing ability. As a player who is capable of distributing the puck quickly and accurately, he is an ideal fit for a power-play unit that values quick puck movement and creating high-percentage scoring opportunities. Whether it’s from the half-wall or at the point, Savoie has shown the ability to make plays that lead to goals. His ability to read the play and anticipate the movements of his teammates has made him a dangerous weapon with the man advantage.
Defensively, Savoie has also proven that he can be effective on the penalty kill. While this isn’t typically a major focus for many offensive-minded players, Savoie has shown that he is willing to take on the responsibility of blocking shots, disrupting passing lanes, and creating turnovers in his own zone. His commitment to both ends of the ice has further demonstrated that he is capable of contributing to a well-rounded game at the NHL level.
Development and Future Potential
Perhaps the most important factor that warrants an NHL audition for Savoie is his potential for further growth. While he has already made an impact in the AHL, the development curve for young players is often steep, and there is plenty of room for Savoie to continue growing. His offensive instincts and creativity make him a dynamic player, but his overall game can still be fine-tuned.
As he continues to work on his defensive play and physicality, it’s not hard to imagine Savoie becoming a complete two-way forward at the NHL level. His speed and skill make him a natural fit for the fast-paced style of play that is becoming increasingly prominent in the NHL. With the right coaching and continued development, Savoie has the potential to not only be a contributor in the NHL but a player who can make a significant impact for the Buffalo Sabres.
