Best Edmonton Oilers prospect about to make his NHL debut with the Oilers
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Matt Savoie is set to make his Edmonton Oilers debut against the Philadelphia Flyers which is marking a significant moment for both the young forward and the team.
Acquired from Buffalo before the season, Matthew Savoie has been lighting up the AHL with 13 goals and 37 points and is now earning his first real NHL opportunity.
Who will be the linemate of Matthew Savoie in his NHL debut?
Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Savoie will skate on a line with Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin which is giving him a prime chance to make an impact in the NHL.
The Sabres originally selected Savoie ninth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, but he saw limited action with Buffalo by playing just one NHL game before the trade.
Now, Edmonton is giving him a chance to see if he can contribute at the NHL level and Knoblauch praised Savoie's skill and energy by noting that he's confident the forward belongs in the league.
Savoie's debut also comes at a time when the Oilers are rumored to be interested in a blockbuster trade for Mikko Rantanen and if Edmonton pulls off such a deal, they may need to part with a player like Matthew Savoie.
However, if he proves himself capable of handling NHL minutes, the team might rethink their approach to trade him.
This call-up is a critical test for Savoie since he is widely considered the best prospect to enter Edmonton's system since Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse.
He could solidify a long-term role in the top six if he thrives alongside elite talent and if not, the Oilers may look elsewhere for reinforcements as they push for a Stanley Cup.
How do you think Savoie will perform in his debut?
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