Leon Draisaitl got into heated discussion on bench with rookie, insiders reveal
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl was spotted in a heated discussion with rookie Matt Savoie in the bench, but it looked like a great display of leadership.
Matt Savoie had recently been bumped from the first line to the second after a tough stretch of games with McDavid. He did show some positive signs, and now with Draisaitl's line and leadership, he's taking another step forward.
Insiders reveal Draisaitl was in heated discussion with Savoie on Oilers bench
TSN insider Ryan Rishaug revealed that he spotted Draisaitl passionately arguing with Savoie on the bench after a missed pass. The two reconciled shortly after, as Draisaitl was looking to make it a learning experience for Savoie.
Draisaitl confirmed the conversation post game, and admitted that he'll be hard on Savoie which will improve his game.
RISHAUG: In the third period, Draisaitl comes off the ice with Savoie and he's a little frustrated about a pass that he missed. He kind of gives it to him on the bench for a little while, and then I kept watching - eventually Draisaitl gave him 3 or 4 pats on the knee, like 'let's get her going, kid.'
DRAISAITL: If I see something where I can help him, I'm going to be hard on him. And I'm going to try to teach him in a positive way. I think that's going to help him in the long run.
DRAISAITL: If I see something where I can help him, I'm going to be hard on him. And I'm going to try to teach him in a positive way. I think that's going to help him in the long run.
Draisaitl's exactly right. This type of constructive criticism and leadership will defintely help Savoie navigate his rookie season and become a more complete player in his career. Being a student of a superstar like Draisaitl, Savoie's going to learn a lot.
Savoie has been improving nearly every game, and he may have found his best fit of this season on Draisaitl's wing. He's now scored 3 goals in his last 2 games, and it's catching the attention of Oil Country.
After a year developing in the AHL too, Savoie is beginning to arrive as a complete player for the Oilers. He'll only continue to improve in the coming seasons - and the Oilers have him under team control. He'll be a key piece of their roster moving forward.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 7 | 607 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl got into heated discussion on bench with rookie, insiders reveal Do you think Draisaitl is a good leader for the Oilers? | ||
| Absolutely yes | 553 | 91.1 % |
| No | 54 | 8.9 % |
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