Oilers GM Stan Bowman calls on one player to take major leap next season
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers will be relying on a few rookie players to step into key roles next season, and GM Stan Bowman is specifically calling on Matthew Savoie.
The Oilers have lost 63 goals from their departing players this offseason, and will rely on Savoie to make up some of that lost scoring in a top 9 role. After a year of developing in the AHL, Savoie looks ready.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman calls on Matthew Savoie to play key two-way role next season
Speaking in a new interview with NHL.com, Oilers GM Stan Bowman and Coach Knoblauch specifically called on Matthew Savoie to take a big step forward next season, taking on a penalty kill role and potentially playing up to the first line.
BOWMAN: I think Matt Savoie is probably poised to take a big step next year.
KNOBLAUCH: With Savoie, the one thing that I'm very optimistic about is penalty kill and how good he was in Bakersfield in that role. He didn't have any penalty-kill time when he was with us [four game call-up] but certainly, we saw him being a reliable two-way player at 5-on-5.
KNOBLAUCH: With Savoie, the one thing that I'm very optimistic about is penalty kill and how good he was in Bakersfield in that role. He didn't have any penalty-kill time when he was with us [four game call-up] but certainly, we saw him being a reliable two-way player at 5-on-5.
As a smaller player at 5'9 and known for his offence, fans may not expect a 200 foot game from Matthew Savoie - but his development with the Bakersfield Condors has been extremely promising.
Savoie was a declining prospect when he was traded to Edmonton, as he dealt with injury problems and played for 4 different teams in one season. Playing a full 66 games in the AHL last year, Savoie had a consistent environment to hone his game.
Oilers prospect analyst Bruce Curlock called Savoie the best defensive forward on the Condors last season. Combined with his slick playmaking and offensive skills putting up 54 points, he's had an impressive year.
Based on the Oilers quiet offseason, the team is fully expecting Savoie to step into a top 9 role next year. Theres even potential for him to step into a larger role if he clicks next year to play beside McDavid or Draisaitl. Oilers fans should have high hopes for Savoie.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 528 ANSWERS Oilers GM Stan Bowman calls on one player to take major leap next season Do you think Savoie will mostly play in the top 6 next year? | ||
| Yes | 329 | 62.3 % |
| No | 199 | 37.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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