The Oilers are set to recall top prospect Matthew Savoie, who skated alongside Leon Draisaitl at practice.

The Edmonton Oilers are preparing to recall one of their most highly anticipated young prospects, Matthew Savoie. The 19-year-old has been a rising star in the world of hockey since his draft year, and the recent news of him skating alongside Leon Draisaitl at practice has only added to the excitement surrounding his imminent promotion. The potential integration of Savoie into the Oilers’ lineup signifies a major step not just for his development but for the organization as a whole. This move showcases the Oilers’ commitment to growing their roster with homegrown talent, complementing their already impressive roster of established superstars, including Connor McDavid and Draisaitl.

The recall of a young player like Savoie is always a significant moment in the NHL, especially for a franchise like the Oilers, which has been heavily reliant on the talents of McDavid and Draisaitl. For years, Edmonton has struggled with balancing their elite players with depth and youth development. However, the growing number of promising prospects within the organization, including Savoie, has changed the landscape. The fact that Savoie is skating alongside Draisaitl at practice suggests that the Oilers see a long-term role for him with the team, and perhaps even an immediate opportunity to contribute.

In this article, we will delve into Matthew Savoie’s development, his potential role within the Oilers’ system, what it means for the organization’s future, and how his recall could impact the team’s depth and long-term success.

Matthew Savoie’s Path to the NHL

Matthew Savoie’s rise in the hockey world has been a carefully orchestrated journey. The young forward was drafted 9th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Draft, quickly garnering attention for his skillset and upside. Known for his elite skating ability, quick hands, and offensive vision, Savoie’s potential was obvious. His ability to create space for himself and his teammates with his skating made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in his draft class.

Before being drafted into the NHL, Savoie played with the Winnipeg Ice in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He immediately made an impact with his offensive output, recording 90 points in 65 games in his final season in junior hockey. His skill on the puck, speed, and vision helped him become a key player for the Ice, and his leadership qualities also began to shine through. His play in the WHL solidified him as one of the top prospects in his class and a future centerpiece for whichever NHL team selected him.

After being drafted by the Sabres, Savoie was sent to their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, to begin his professional career. His time in the AHL was a learning experience, as he faced the challenge of adjusting to the professional game. Injuries hindered some of his development early on, but there were still flashes of his natural talent. His time in Rochester allowed him to refine his game and understand what it takes to succeed at the professional level. He showed great promise but needed further development to make the leap to the NHL.

It was during the 2024 offseason that Savoie found a new home with the Edmonton Oilers. As part of a trade, the Oilers acquired Savoie and other assets from the Sabres in exchange for players like Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio. The Oilers were immediately excited about the move. For a team that has struggled with the depth of its roster in the past, the addition of a player with Savoie’s skill set was a huge win. The Oilers were now in possession of one of the brightest young talents in the NHL pipeline.

Since joining the Oilers organization, Savoie has been a fixture with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate. His time in the AHL has allowed him to build on his previous experience while also acclimating to the demands of professional hockey. In 45 games with the Condors, Savoie tallied 37 points, including 13 goals and 24 assists. His offensive production has been impressive, and he has shown he is capable of excelling at this level. However, it was also clear that he needed to continue improving on his defensive game and consistency before earning an NHL recall.

Why Now? The Timing of Savoie’s Recall

The timing of Matthew Savoie’s potential recall could not come at a better moment for the Oilers. With the team looking to make a push in the standings and secure a spot in the postseason, the addition of a young, hungry player to the lineup could provide an additional spark. While the Oilers are stacked with offensive talent, adding depth and balance to their forward group has been a consistent point of focus for the organization.

Savoie has proven that he is capable of producing offensively in the AHL, and given his skill set, there is little doubt that he could contribute in similar fashion at the NHL level. The fact that he is skating alongside Leon Draisaitl at practice only underscores the Oilers’ confidence in his abilities and the potential for immediate impact. Draisaitl, a former Hart Trophy winner and one of the NHL’s premier forwards, is an ideal mentor for a young player like Savoie. Their pairing could provide the perfect environment for Savoie to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NHL while contributing to the Oilers’ dynamic top six.

The recall is also indicative of the Oilers’ long-term vision. The team has relied heavily on the production of their top stars, McDavid and Draisaitl, but they are keenly aware of the importance of developing young talent to create a sustainable winner. Having young players like Savoie on the roster not only adds depth but also allows the Oilers to maintain their competitive edge in the years ahead. Integrating players like Savoie into the lineup could help keep the Oilers competitive while transitioning away from being completely reliant on McDavid and Draisaitl.

The Importance of Savoie’s Role with the Oilers

The recall of Matthew Savoie is a vote of confidence from the Oilers coaching staff and management. It suggests that the Oilers see him as a player who can make an immediate impact, whether it be on the power play, in the top six, or even as part of the team’s bottom six if needed. Savoie’s skill set is dynamic, combining elite skating, offensive creativity, and the ability to make plays in all areas of the ice. His potential fit alongside Draisaitl is tantalizing, as Draisaitl’s playmaking ability and vision could complement Savoie’s speed and shooting ability perfectly.

While it may take some time for Savoie to adjust to the NHL’s pace and style, the fact that the Oilers are willing to give him a shot now suggests that they believe in his ability to adapt quickly. The Oilers have made significant strides in developing young players in recent seasons, and the organization is likely to lean into this growth as they build for the future. Savoie’s recall, alongside players like Evan Bouchard and Dylan Holloway, demonstrates the Oilers’ commitment to not only relying on their superstar talent but also integrating younger players to solidify the team’s future.

One area where Savoie could be particularly impactful is on special teams. The Oilers’ power play has been one of the league’s most dangerous in recent years, and adding a player like Savoie to the mix could further elevate the unit. His offensive instincts and sharp shooting touch could provide an additional weapon for the Oilers’ power play, giving them even more depth and versatility in their attack. Furthermore, Savoie’s ability to make plays in tight spaces and his quick decision-making would allow him to contribute in different offensive situations, whether it be as a playmaker or a goal-scorer.

Skating with Leon Draisaitl: The Potential for Instant Chemistry

One of the most exciting elements of Matthew Savoie’s recall is the prospect of him skating alongside Leon Draisaitl. The chemistry between these two players could be electric, as Savoie’s skating ability and offensive instincts could pair perfectly with Draisaitl’s vision and passing. Draisaitl is known for his ability to set up his linemates with precision, and a player like Savoie, who can get into scoring positions quickly, could benefit greatly from Draisaitl’s playmaking.

For Savoie, skating alongside an established star like Draisaitl provides a unique opportunity for growth. He will be able to learn from one of the league’s top forwards, observing his decision-making process, his leadership, and his ability to read the game. Draisaitl’s mentorship will undoubtedly accelerate Savoie’s development and give him the tools to succeed at the NHL level. Additionally, playing on a line with a player of Draisaitl’s caliber could give Savoie the chance to contribute immediately, allowing him to showcase his skills in high-leverage situations.

The Future of Matthew Savoie with the Oilers

Matthew Savoie’s call-up to the NHL represents a major milestone in his career. As one of the Oilers’ top prospects, his promotion to the NHL highlights the team’s commitment to developing young talent and creating a long-term contender. The opportunity to skate alongside a player like Leon Draisaitl and potentially contribute to the Oilers’ success this season only adds to the excitement surrounding his future with the team.

While the immediate future for Savoie remains uncertain, the recall is a clear sign that the Oilers believe in his potential and want him to play an important role moving forward. For fans, the excitement surrounding Savoie’s development is palpable. The Oilers have been looking for ways to add depth and balance to their roster, and Savoie represents a significant piece in the puzzle. His combination of offensive skill, speed, and hockey IQ makes him a player to watch closely as he begins his NHL journey.

The next chapter of Matthew Savoie’s career is just beginning, and the Oilers are excited to see what he can bring to the table. If he can successfully adjust to the NHL and establish chemistry with Draisaitl, Savoie could become a key player for the Oilers in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The future is bright for the young prospect, and the Oilers’ faith in him is a promising sign for the team’s continued success.