Savoie making his mark in AHL, which could prompt a future call up to the Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have long been a team with aspirations of building a deep, competitive roster, capable of contending for the Stanley Cup. The key to the Oilers’ future success lies not only in the performances of their superstar talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but also in their ability to develop young prospects who can step into larger roles as the team evolves. One player who is currently making a name for himself in the AHL and could soon see a call-up to the NHL is Savoie — a highly touted young talent with the potential to make an immediate impact for the Oilers in the future.
As we look ahead to what promises to be an exciting few years for the Oilers, the development of players like Savoie is crucial. His progression through the American Hockey League (AHL) has given fans, analysts, and the Oilers’ front office a glimpse of the potential future of the team. In this article, we will explore Savoie’s background, his journey to the AHL, his current performance, and the likelihood that he could soon make the jump to the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers.
Who is Savoie? A Rising Star in the Oilers’ System
Savoie is one of the most exciting prospects in the Oilers’ system. Drafted by Edmonton in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, he was viewed as a player with tremendous upside, capable of becoming a key contributor for the Oilers in the future. As a forward, Savoie is known for his speed, offensive instincts, and playmaking ability. He is a versatile player who can create scoring chances for himself and his teammates, while also being responsible in the defensive zone. His combination of skill, vision, and hockey IQ made him one of the Oilers’ most highly anticipated prospects.
After spending a few years developing in junior hockey, Savoie was assigned to the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, to further hone his skills and acclimate to the professional level. His time in the AHL has allowed him to adjust to the increased speed and physicality of the professional game, which is a critical step for any young player looking to make the jump to the NHL.
The AHL: A Crucial Developmental Stage
The AHL has always been a key stepping stone for young prospects aiming to make their mark in the NHL. It provides a competitive environment where players can develop their skills, adjust to the pro game, and prove they are ready for the next level. For Savoie, the AHL has been an ideal place to further refine his abilities and prepare for the eventual transition to the NHL.
In his time with the Bakersfield Condors, Savoie has been given ample opportunity to showcase his talent, contributing to the team’s offense and learning the intricacies of playing at the AHL level. The Condors are known for their development-first approach, and Savoie has benefited from the coaching and mentorship provided by the team’s staff.
Savoie has been able to work on his consistency, improve his defensive play, and further refine his ability to create scoring opportunities in tight spaces. The AHL experience has also helped him understand the level of physicality and pace required to succeed in the NHL, and it has been critical in his overall development as a player.
Savoie’s Performance in the AHL: Progressing at a Rapid Rate
Since joining the Bakersfield Condors, Savoie has turned heads with his strong performances on the ice. While he has faced growing pains like any young player adjusting to professional hockey, his statistics have been impressive, showcasing his potential as a top-tier talent. Through his work ethic, determination, and raw skill, Savoie has demonstrated that he is not only capable of contributing in the AHL, but he is also developing at a pace that could allow him to make the leap to the NHL sooner rather than later.
Throughout his AHL tenure, Savoie has been a reliable offensive threat. His ability to generate scoring chances, maintain possession in the offensive zone, and create opportunities for his teammates has made him a key player for the Condors. His vision on the ice is something that stands out — he can thread passes through tight areas, setting up scoring chances with precision. Additionally, his quick release and ability to get off shots in tight spaces have made him a constant threat on the power play and at even strength.
While offensive production is important, Savoie has also worked on his all-around game. He has made strides in the defensive zone, becoming a more responsible player who is willing to do the little things right — blocking shots, winning puck battles along the boards, and providing support for his defensemen. In the AHL, players are required to be well-rounded, and Savoie’s ability to play in all situations has helped him become a more complete player.
One of the most notable improvements in Savoie’s game has been his ability to play with greater physicality. While he is known for his speed and skill, the AHL has forced him to adjust to the more physical nature of professional hockey. He has taken steps to develop his strength, winning more puck battles and engaging physically with opponents without sacrificing his offensive creativity. This evolution in his game could prove to be vital in his eventual transition to the NHL, where physicality is a crucial component of success.
The Oilers’ Need for Depth and the Role of Savoie
The Edmonton Oilers have long relied on their offensive stars, but the team also recognizes the importance of building a deep roster that can compete at the highest level. With the emergence of young talents like Zach Hyman, Ryan McLeod, and Kailer Yamamoto, the Oilers have started to build more depth in their forward group, something that is critical for sustained success in the postseason.
As the Oilers look to the future, players like Savoie could play a crucial role in solidifying their roster depth. With his combination of offensive upside, speed, and skill, Savoie could complement the team’s existing stars and provide another weapon on the attack. His ability to play a versatile role, whether as a top-six forward or a bottom-six contributor, makes him a valuable asset for a team looking to maximize its potential.
Moreover, as the Oilers continue to contend for a Stanley Cup, having internal options to fill out the roster is an important asset. If Savoie continues his strong play in the AHL, the Oilers may find themselves in a situation where they no longer need to look to external sources for depth additions, instead turning to the farm system to provide players who can contribute right away.
Savoie’s potential fit with the Oilers could come at a time when the team is looking to improve its overall depth and continue its pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Having him on the roster could allow the Oilers to be more flexible in how they construct their forward lines, giving them an extra weapon to use when pushing toward the postseason.
The Call-Up: When Could Savoie Make His NHL Debut?
As Savoie continues to develop in the AHL, the question remains: when will he get the call-up to the NHL? Given his progression, it seems likely that the Oilers are keeping a close eye on his development, and a call-up could come sooner rather than later, especially if the team is looking to add some youthful energy to their lineup. The team’s needs at the time, along with the progress that Savoie makes in the AHL, will ultimately dictate when he is ready to make the jump.
However, while the possibility of Savoie joining the Oilers in the near future is certainly tantalizing, the team will likely want to ensure that he is fully prepared before making the transition. It is crucial for the Oilers to avoid rushing the young forward and instead allow him to continue his development in the AHL until he is fully ready to contribute at the NHL level. Additionally, the Oilers’ coaching staff will want to ensure that Savoie is capable of performing under the pressure of an NHL schedule, with its intense competition and high stakes.
The timing of Savoie’s call-up will depend on how the Oilers’ forward group is performing at the time. If injuries arise or the team needs a spark, Savoie could be an immediate candidate to step in and make a contribution. The Oilers’ front office and coaching staff will be evaluating his performance closely and considering how he fits within the team’s long-term plans.
