Matt Savoie Is Quietly Becoming a Key Piece for the Oilers
EDMONTON - A few years ago, Matt Savoie was just a kid from St. Albert dreaming about playing in the NHL.
Now? He’s sitting in a locker stall right next to Connor McDavid.
Not bad for a 22-year-old rookie who’s gone from prospect to legitimate contributor on a loaded Edmonton Oilers roster.
“If you told my 10-year-old self, he probably wouldn’t even believe you,” Savoie said with a grin. “But now, I just take it day by day and make the most out of the opportunity.”
And that opportunity? He’s grabbing it with both hands.
Through 54 games this season, Savoie has proven he belongs. He’s tied for 10th among rookies in goals (9) and sits inside the top 15 in rookie scoring with 18 points.
That production, while not eye-popping, tells only part of the story. It’s the way he’s doing it - with speed, versatility, and a mature two-way game - that’s catching the attention of the Oilers’ coaching staff.
AHL Standout to NHL Mainstay
Coming into the 2025-26 season, head coach Kris Knoblauch admits there were some question marks. Sure, Savoie had a strong year with the Bakersfield Condors, finishing second on the team in scoring and earning an AHL All-Star nod. But the jump to the NHL is steep - and not every high draft pick makes it.
“We thought there’d be nights where we should probably give him a night off, let him reset, come back,” Knoblauch said. “But, you know, he hasn’t needed that. His game has been at a pretty high level.”
Originally drafted ninth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2022, Savoie was acquired by Edmonton in a July 2024 trade that sent Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio the other way. At the time, it looked like a move for the future. Instead, the future arrived early.
After a brief four-game stint with the Oilers last season, Savoie has played every game this year, averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time. He’s been used all over the lineup - left wing, right wing, power play, penalty kill - and he hasn’t looked out of place in any role.
“Matt’s been a very solid player for us this year,” Knoblauch said. “We thought there’d be more dips, just because being a young player coming in the league, it’s hard to maintain a high level of play consistently. And he’s done a fabulous job at that.”
Making the Most of His Minutes
Savoie’s recent play has only reinforced the coaching staff’s trust. He’s picked up three points in his last four games, including a key role in one of the highlight-reel moments from Edmonton’s 7-4 win over Anaheim.
Midway through the second period, Savoie jumped on a loose puck at center and set up a 2-on-1 rush with Mattias Ekholm. While he kept his stick ready for a potential return pass, Ekholm took it himself and fired home his second goal of the night. It didn’t go down as an assist for Savoie, but it was a perfect example of how his speed and awareness are creating opportunities - even when he’s not on the scoresheet.
That’s been a theme all season.
“I think the way I play the game, I think I’m a fast player, so I think my speed’s there on a nightly basis,” Savoie said. “So sometimes when the puck’s not going in, I’m able to forecheck and create great looks other ways.”
A Trusted Role on the Penalty Kill
One of the more impressive aspects of Savoie’s game? His work on the penalty kill.
The Oilers’ PK unit sits 16th in the league at 79.3%, and Savoie has become a regular part of that rotation. For a rookie, that’s no small feat - especially on a team with playoff aspirations.
“It’s nice to get into the game on the PK and contribute there,” Savoie said. “And I feel comfortable there.
I’ve played there all my life. So I really don’t feel any different.
Obviously, it’s NHL, so you’re playing against top players, and it’s been a good test so far.”
It’s also helped him stay engaged during games where minutes might be more limited. Young players can sometimes get lost in the shuffle, especially when special teams dominate the flow. But Savoie’s ability to contribute in all situations keeps him involved - and valuable.
A Rookie Playing Beyond His Years
What’s stood out most to Knoblauch and the Oilers coaching staff is that even when Savoie isn’t producing offensively, he’s not hurting the team. That’s a rare quality in a first-year player.
“He’s still a young player, and he’s still going to continue to get better,” Knoblauch said. “But right now we’re very happy where his game’s at.”
Savoie may not be the flashiest name on the Oilers roster - not when you’re sharing ice with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nugent-Hopkins. But he’s carving out a role that matters. He’s playing fast, playing smart, and proving that he can be trusted in meaningful minutes.
And for a team with Stanley Cup hopes, that kind of depth can make all the difference.