Oilers Call Up Matt Savoie: A PK Specialist in the Making
The Edmonton Oilers have made a strategic move by recalling winger Matt Savoie from the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL. While Savoie's even-strength play has shown flashes of brilliance, it's his penalty-killing prowess that truly stands out.
Savoie has emerged as a defensive stalwart on the PK, boasting the lowest mistake rate among Oilers forwards that lead to Grade A shots against. This is a significant achievement for a player still finding his footing in the NHL. In comparison, veteran Mattias Janmark has struggled, committing 25 such errors in just 64 PK minutes, translating to a rate of 0.78 per two minutes.
The Oilers' penalty kill has been a sore spot in 2026, exacerbated by the absence of PK ace Adam Henrique due to injury. However, with Savoie, Henrique, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the team could be on the verge of solidifying a formidable PK unit.
Connor McDavid also deserves a mention for his dual-threat capability on the penalty kill. He's created as many short-handed Grade A opportunities, 13, as he's allowed through mistakes. It's no wonder Coach Kris Knoblauch trusts McDavid in these critical situations.
With Savoie back in the lineup, the Oilers are banking on his defensive acumen to help turn their PK fortunes around. Keep an eye on this young winger as he continues to develop into a key piece of Edmonton's defensive strategy.