In the midst of the Edmonton Oilers' roller-coaster season, rookie forward Matt Savoie has quietly carved out a niche with his consistent play. The 22-year-old from St.
Albert, just outside Edmonton, has been shuffled across various lines by head coach Kris Knoblauch, who’s searching for the right combinations. But recently, Savoie has found a home on the top line with the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman.
McDavid, known for his blistering pace, has been particularly impressed with Savoie’s energy and tenacity. “He’s got lots of jump and keeps pucks alive.
It’s impressive,” McDavid noted. “He plays like a dog on a bone, super skilled.”
Savoie’s stats reflect his recent surge, with nine points in his last 11 games, bringing his totals to 11 goals and 28 points over 69 games. He notched the game-winner against Nashville and assisted on Hyman’s clincher in a 5-3 victory over San Jose.
Hyman praised Savoie’s relentless drive, calling him a “phenomenal player” who will be a fixture in the top six for years. “He skates with the best and can make plays.
People forget how young he is. It takes time to adjust to this league.”
Savoie himself acknowledges the learning curve. “Early in the season, it was up and down.
But since the break, I’ve been more consistent,” he said. The Olympic break allowed him to reset and evaluate his game, leading to a newfound comfort on the ice.
Playing alongside McDavid presents its own challenges and rewards. “It’s tough keeping up with his speed and the plays he makes, but I’m getting used to it,” Savoie admitted. “You have to be ready for anything, always in a scoring position.”
Veteran Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has also noticed Savoie’s growth. “His offensive game has clicked, but his mindset has been steady all season. He’s dynamic and thinks the game well, which is why he’s trusted on the penalty kill.”
Savoie’s journey from a promising prospect to a key contributor on the Oilers’ top line is a testament to his skill and adaptability. As he continues to grow, his presence is becoming increasingly vital to Edmonton’s success.