Matt Savoie's Emerging Impact with the Oilers
Matt Savoie is turning heads with his recent performances for the Edmonton Oilers. Over the last two games against Anaheim and Los Angeles, Savoie has racked up five points, showcasing the offensive flair that had already won over head coach Kris Knoblauch. Despite shifting lines throughout the season, Savoie has found a spot alongside Leon Draisaitl, logging significant ice time-fifth most among Oilers forwards, trailing only stars like Connor McDavid and Draisaitl.
Savoie's defensive contributions are equally impressive. He leads the team in shorthanded minutes, proving his versatility and value on both ends of the ice. With a potential 30-point rookie season on the horizon, his journey is one to watch.
The 22-year-old's resilience was evident when he was sent to Bakersfield during the Olympic break. Instead of sulking, Savoie used the opportunity to refine his game, culminating in a standout three-point night against the Ducks.
After a slow start with just two points in the first month, Savoie has found his rhythm, tallying 10 points in the last 19 games. Coach Knoblauch praised his all-around performance, highlighting his penalty-killing prowess and ability to create scoring chances.
Janmark's Battle with Injury
Mattias Janmark's season has been marred by a lingering shoulder issue, potentially dating back to October 2023. Despite the setback, Janmark has managed to play through the pain, suiting up for 71 games last year and 80 the year before. However, the possibility of shoulder surgery looms, and Janmark could be placed on long-term injury reserve, freeing up $1.45 million in cap space for the Oilers as the trade deadline approaches.
With Kasperi Kapanen also sidelined by an undisclosed injury, the Oilers are navigating a tricky salary cap situation. They played with just 11 forwards in their recent win over Los Angeles, and may need to do so again if Kapanen isn't ready for Saturday's game against San Jose. An emergency recall for James Hamblin is a possibility, given his impressive 20 goals and 33 points in 45 games.
Trade Talks and Prospects
As the NHL trade deadline nears, the Oilers are rumored to be in the market for a right-shot defenseman. While Tyler Myers is off the table due to a no-move clause, several names are in the mix, including Justin Faulk, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Connor Murphy, among others. Each brings unique attributes and contract considerations, with Oilers GM Stan Bowman weighing the options for bolstering the defensive lineup.
Bowman might consider trading a younger prospect to secure a deal. The recent re-signing of Finnish defenseman Atro Leppanen could make Beau Akey a trade candidate, despite his potential. Other prospects like Quinn Hutson and Tommy Lafreniere are also being monitored closely by teams.
Matvey Petrov is another potential trade piece. Despite his prolific OHL scoring, his AHL performance hasn't matched expectations, partly due to injuries. The Oilers may not extend his rights beyond this summer.
In college hockey, Asher Barnett and Paul Fischer are two defensemen who could draw interest from other teams.
Around the League
The San Jose Sharks are struggling, having lost four straight games since falling to the Oilers before the Olympic break. Macklin Celebrini's efforts haven't been enough to turn the tide, and the Sharks are slipping out of playoff contention.
Kiefer Sherwood, recently acquired by the Sharks, might be on the move again if contract talks don't progress. His grit and speed are valuable, but negotiations for a new deal are currently stalled.
Meanwhile, Connor McDavid continues to cement his legacy, reaching the 100-point mark for the ninth time in his career. With another scoring title in sight, McDavid could soon tie legends like Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux with six Art Ross Trophies, chasing only Wayne Gretzky's record of 10.