Matt Savoie has provided Kris Knoblauch with a fresh option for the top six players, and the Edmonton Oilers are starting to approach a more important contract discussion.
This is the main change happening here. It’s not just a short good run or a nice story about depth in a long season.
After the Olympic break, Savoie has managed to score 13 points in 16 games, with 11 of those points coming during regular play. This level of performance can really affect how a coach sets up the team and how the management values a young player.
At the start of the season, the 22-year-old seemed like a rookie struggling to keep up. He only scored 1 point in his first 11 games, and everything around him seemed too fast.
Now, he’s holding onto the puck longer, making better decisions, and earning genuine trust. That is more important than any single great play.
Knoblauch has started to see Savoie as more than just a backup player and is using him in important situations. He has been on the ice more in the top six, and this shows the whole league what Edmonton thinks of him these days.
When Leon Draisaitl was still playing, Savoie performed well alongside him. Recently, he was trusted to play with Connor McDavid during overtime against Vegas and was there for Evan Bouchard’s game-winning goal.
The Edmonton Oilers need to consider the financial aspect.
Young forwards who can skate in the top six and handle penalty kills don’t stay inexpensive for very long. Savoie isn’t just filling a spot; he’s providing real value to Edmonton in critical moments.
The Oilers already have Draisaitl getting 14 million, McDavid at 12.5 million, Bouchard at 10.5 million, and Darnell Nurse at 9.25 million on their payroll. That’s why Savoie’s breakout performance comes at a tough time for Edmonton’s salary cap.
Stan Bowman is aware that his team does not have unlimited options for replacements from within. The Edmonton team had a record of 32 wins, 26 losses, and 8 ties, scoring 233 goals and having a goal difference of 5 in their most recent standings, making every affordable impactful player important.
This situation is more significant than just having a good run in March. Savoie is beginning to show that he could be a valuable player for the Oilers if his scoring continues.
If he keeps this up during the playoffs, his value will only increase. He has great speed, good chemistry with McDavid, and is reliable on the penalty kill, which are qualities that can turn an affordable contract into a huge financial success.
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