Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Savoie has a knack for taking his time to settle in at each new level of play, but once he finds his groove, watch out. From his early days with the St. Albert U-15 AAA Sabres to his standout performances with the Northern Alberta U-15 Prep team, Savoie has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel.
His journey through the ranks of hockey saw him make a mark in the WHL with the Winnipeg Ice, where he initially struggled but eventually exploded with 90 points in 65 games during the 2021-22 season. This impressive performance propelled him to be the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
After being drafted, Savoie continued to hone his skills across various teams, including stints in the WHL, AHL, and even a brief appearance in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres. His trade to the Oilers in 2024 marked a new chapter, and he quickly became a key player for the Bakersfield Condors, racking up 54 points in 66 games.
The Oilers, aiming for a younger, faster lineup, made space for Savoie, who has since played every game this season. His defensive prowess caught the eye of head coach Kris Knoblauch, earning him a spot on the third line and a role on the penalty kill alongside Adam Henrique.
Savoie's offensive breakthrough came slowly, with his first NHL goal on October 30, 2025, followed by a series of unique scoring moments. Despite early struggles, his determination paid off, and since returning from the Olympic break, he's been on fire, tallying ten points in eleven games.
Part of this resurgence can be attributed to his increased ice time with stars like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Savoie has seized the opportunity to skate on the top line with McDavid, showcasing impressive chemistry and contributing with a goal and two assists in three games.
Savoie's post-Olympic stats are eye-catching, leading Oilers forwards with 3.89 five-on-five points per 60 minutes. This surge has significantly boosted his season-long metrics, illustrating a remarkable 49% increase in his offensive output.
Drawing parallels to Vasily Podkolzin's first season with the Oilers, Savoie's trajectory is reminiscent of Podkolzin's rise. Both players started lower in the lineup, proved themselves defensively, and gradually became offensive contributors. Podkolzin's development into a reliable top-six winger offers a tantalizing glimpse of what Savoie could achieve.
With 28 points in 69 games this season, Savoie is just beginning to tap into his potential. While expecting him to maintain a point-per-game pace might be ambitious, there's every reason to believe he'll solidify his role in the Oilers' top six next season.
The Oilers' commitment to nurturing young talent like Savoie and Podkolzin is crucial for sustained success. As they line up alongside McDavid against the Florida Panthers, it's clear that these young guns are integral to Edmonton's future, embodying the team's shift towards a faster, more dynamic roster.