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Oilers top prospect could receive fast promotion to Connor McDavid's line
Photo credit: Daily Faceoff
The Edmonton Oilers will have a stretch of only 7 games after the 4 Nations Faceoff to plot their course for a critical trade deadline, and one player that could factor into their decisions is top prospect Matthew Savoie playing in the top six.
The Oilers have been connected to several forwards in trade, but first off, they may want to call up top prospect Matthew Savoie for an evaluation before the deadline.
Matthew Savoie could be primed to play first line with McDavid when called up from AHL
With the Oilers current line configurations, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins playing center on the third line, the ideal slot for Matthew Savoie could be on the first line with McDavid. Victor Arvidsson would likely bump down, taking a player like Kapanen out of the lineup.
The Oilers most complete lineup may come with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins playing third line center, giving Edmonton 4 fantastic options to roll out up the middle. If a player like Arvidsson was playing along Nuge, the line could have some real offensive upside too.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' scoring has significantly decreased this season too, which may warrant a bump down to the third line. Leon Draisaitl's line with Jeff Skinner is very new, but showing promise so far.
Matthew Savoie primed for call up and promotion to Oilers top line
Matthew Savoie is a gifted offensive talent that should be put into a position to succeed next to offensive players. Savoie is a smooth skater and incredible playmaker, a style of play that would pair perfectly with either of the Oilers stars.
Additionally, Savoie has taken significant strides with his defensive game this season. This could earn him more trust from the coach at the NHL level to be used in important situations.
With his high end offence recording 34 points in 42 games and major improvements with his defence, Savoie looks primed for a call up.
The Oilers should get him up on the NHL roster before the trade deadline and give him a real look in a position to succeed before they trade for a rental forward.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 11 | 189 ANSWERS Oilers top prospect could receive fast promotion to Connor McDavid's line Do you think Savoie should play on the first line if called up this season? | ||
| Yes | 64 | 33.9 % |
| No | 106 | 56.1 % |
| Knoblauch will change everything again | 19 | 10.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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