An over-ripened Matthew Savoie would be a sign of a true winner franchise in Edmonton: 9 Things (2024)

Summer.

Especially after the draft and free agency are past, the business of NHL hockey really slows down.

But in hockey-mad markets such as Edmonton, the wheel never really stops turning.

So, without any further delay, hope you enjoy this mid-summer edition of…

9 Things

9. Rest in Peace Alex Janvier, the respected First Nations artist whose work included the beautiful mural in Ford Hall at Rogers Place. He was eighty-nine.

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8. Connor McDavid won Best NHL Player at the ESPY’s this past week. That is three years straight for McDavid. Evander Kane was in attendance and looking resplendent as always.

7. A small but vocal minority took issue with Connor McDavid out on the water and Evander Kane on the golf course this off-season. My advice? Get a life. These two players clearly have.

6. This interesting tidbit from NHL Edge: Evan Bouchard led the league in 2023-24 with 112 shots taken above 90 MPH. Bouchard added 38 more in the playoffs. A threat to score on his own, the very presence of that shot effectively spreads out D-zone coverage especially on the man advantage.

5. Mattias Ekholm has fit this franchise like a glove on and off the ice. A good illustration came in a social media message to fans this past week, which in-part read: “We are beyond grateful for the way this city has welcomed us” and “Keep on believing, see you in the Fall.”

4. Well-known and respected player agent Gerry Johannson was on Oilers Now! with Bob Stauffer this past Friday. Gerry has a somewhat unique perspective in that he lives in the city. He also represents the Savoie brothers. Johansson calls the Matthew deal “a great trade for Edmonton, and Matt is really excited.” It is believed that Carter Savoie, who was not qualified, may have an AHL option with the Oilers. More on Matt Savoie’s path forward in a minute…

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3. Of all the very strong moves Jeff Jackson and his team made this off-season my personal favorite was the re-signing of Adam Henrique. I look at it and the Ryan McLeod deals as closely related. For all intents and purposes, Jackson has replaced McLeod at 3C with Henrique. And while we all had hopes that McLeod would become an NHL 3C, Henrique is already that and more. In fact, I would submit that Henrique is a Top-6 NHL forward all day. That makes this swap a major upgrade down the middle, where many games (and Stanley Cups) are won.

2. No immediate news on the Dylan Holloway or Philip Broberg front as it pertains to their RFA status. There is the predictable off-season chatter about a potential offer sheet. But keep in mind: By my count, there have only been ten of these signed in the salary cap era. They range from Ryan Kesler in 2008 to Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2021. In there, of course, is the Oilers and Dustin Penner. And in most cases, it takes a player looking for a change. Given that Holloway and Broberg were in a regular rotation in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, I do not see it as likely. Rather, expect 2-year deals for around $1.0m-$1.2m/year.

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1. I was encouraged to see Bakersfield Head Coach Colin Chaulk describe how he was anticipating to use the newly acquired Matthew Savoie this coming season. Chaulk was recently re-upped in his position. I have not always been thrilled with the deployment of “real” prospects with the Condors, during this past or prior years. But that may be changing. The indication Chaulk has given is that if Savoie does not crack the Edmonton Oilers stacked forward ranks this fall, he would likely play center in The Bake. Making the NHL is not impossible for Savoie out of the gate, especially if an injury were to arise. But I have him ticketed for California to start. And that would be a sign of a strong franchise. We all remember when the Edmonton Oilers of the past would rush prospects into the NHL lineup. I can not think of a single one of them who was truly “ready”. But this approach could be one of the longest lasting impacts that departed GM Ken Holland has on the franchise: Over-ripening prospects.

A natural center, even if Matt Savioe does not end up an NHL pivot it gives him way more touches of the puck in the short-term. I would also like to see him on the first unit Power Play and (ideally) on the PK, too. In the long-term, it is always easier to move a center to wing, as opposed to the other way around. It gives both the organization and the player more and better options. And ideally it delivers a more complete and well-rounded player to the NHL ranks.

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Let’s hope Colin Chaulk sticks to the plan. Savioe may or may not thrive in those roles to begin with. Center can be a challenging position for a smaller player in a big man’s game. Savoie has great tools: Speed, hands, play-making ability, a motor that never quits. But more subtle things like body position, being on the right side of a check, and situational awareness often take time and repetition. Best to do that where natural mistakes do not cost you NHL games.

Great organizations and great coaches realize patience is a virtue in the development of great young players. Matthew Savoie will be a great test of whether the Edmonton Oilers have achieved that.

Now on Threads @kleavins. Also, find me on Twitter @KurtLeavins, Instagram at LeavinsOnHockey, and Mastodon at KurtLeavins@mstdn.social. This article is not AI generated.

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