Insider explains why Sabres gave up on top prospect in trade to Oilers
Yesterday the Edmonton Oilers shocked the hockey world by acquiring Matthew Savoie from the Sabres, a top ranked prospect, for young bottom six forward Ryan McLeod.
Now, Oilers insider Jason Gregor is explaining that the Sabres feared that he may be injury prone, and that they wanted to revamp their bottom six to be more competitive now.
Savoie was called up to the Sabres and played his only NHL game on November 10, 2023 but sustained a shoulder injury in the game. He was healthy enough to return to play just weeks later, and returned to junior to play the rest of the season. Still, the Sabres seem concerned that his 5'9, 180 pound stature will not play in the NHL.
If the Sabres gave up on Savoie after just one injury after one NHL game to improve their bottom six, this may become an extremely lob-sided trade very quickly. Savoie could likely make the Oilers roster next year, and has shown elite offensive talent at every level - even a brief stint in the AHL. Trading for the 9th overall pick from just 2 years ago for Ryan McLeod is looking to be an unreal trade for the Oilers.
Between getting better immediately with the signings of Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson, as well as stocking the cupboards with prospects like Savoie and Sam O'Reilly, Jeff Jackson has been on an absolute roll with the Oilers as interim GM. His moves have made a team that just went to the Stanley Cup Final much stronger, and with a good trade deadline too, the Oilers will have everything they need to take care of unfinished business next year.
Source: Jason Gregor
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