After a strong AHL season, 21-year-old forward Matt Savoie is expected to push for a full-time NHL role with the Edmonton Oilers in 2025-26. In fact, the Oilers are banking on it, with both the GM and the coach speaking highly of how big an impact he might be able to make. Kris Knoblauch says he’s got potential on the penalty kill, and Bowman noted, “I think Matt Savoie is probably poised to take a big step next year.” Acquired last summer in the deal that sent Ryan McLeod to the Buffalo Sabres, Savoie played just four games with Edmonton in 2024-25 but impressed with 54 points and a +21 rating in 66 games for the Bakersfield Condors. Bowman sees internal growth on the horizon, and Knoblauch echoed that optimism. “We saw him being a reliable two-way player at 5-on-5. The opportunity for Savoie is on the penalty kill.” While Savoie won’t likely see first-unit power-play time behind stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, he could earn a spot on Edmonton’s second power-play or penalty-kill units. With Co
