Matt Savoie's Potential Breakout Season with the Oilers

Matt Savoie experienced a notable shift in performance for the Edmonton Oilers towards the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season. Prior to the Olympic break (February 6-24), Savoie's offensive output was modest, with only nine goals and 18 points in 63 games. However, upon the resumption of NHL play, he experienced a significant surge, notching nine goals and 19 points in the final 24 contests of the season. This improvement was partly driven by the Oilers' need for secondary scoring to compensate for an injured Leon Draisaitl, and partly by Savoie's own initiative to seize opportunities for more top-six minutes. His increased scoring in the latter part of last season provides a strong foundation for optimism for the Oilers and their fanbase heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Savoie's Talent Shone Down The Stretch in Edmonton Last Season

High expectations surrounded Savoie entering his rookie 2025-26 season; he was seen as a potential Calder Trophy contender. Unfortunately, the first half of his season did not meet these projections. After returning from the Olympic break, Savoie appeared transformed. The break clearly benefited him, as he registered three points in his first game back against the Anaheim Ducks on February 25 and concluded the regular season with a hat-trick against the Vancouver Canucks on April 16. This late-season performance showcased the talent that the Oilers recognized when they acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forwards Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio in early July 2024.

Expectations Are Higher for Savoie in 2026-27

The Oilers do not necessarily require Savoie to become a superstar. However, an improvement on his 37 points from last season is expected. If he continues to develop and can reach 20-25 goals, accumulating over 50 points while playing alongside Connor McDavid, he could significantly impact the Oilers' roster. The chemistry he established with McDavid late last season was evident. If Savoie can carry this momentum forward, he is well-positioned for a breakout season in 2026-27.

Motivated to Earn a Big Raise

As Savoie enters the final year of his restricted free agent (RFA) contract, he is undoubtedly motivated to perform well and secure a substantial increase from his current salary of $886,666 per season. On July 30, Savoie's agent, Gerry Johannson, expressed on "Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer" that the St. Albert native enjoys playing in Edmonton and is eager to remain in the provincial capital.

Should Savoie impress new Oilers head coach Mike Babcock from training camp and consistently play significant minutes with McDavid throughout the season, a substantial contract raise is likely. General Manager Stan Bowman will aim to secure the young forward long-term, avoiding situations like the offer sheets the Oilers faced for forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg in the summer of 2024.

Versatility Key to Savoie’s Future

Savoie is evolving beyond just an offensive prospect. His skating ability and commitment to playing a responsible defensive game provide the Oilers with valuable flexibility. His experience on the penalty kill last season will also benefit him, especially when the team requires lineup adjustments due to injuries or player demotions under Babcock.

Savoie’s Strong Hockey Sense Will Serve Him Well

Hockey sense is either inherent or developed, and Savoie appears to possess the intelligence that could lead to a successful NHL career. Given the Oilers' past challenges with promising young prospects like Jesse Puljujärvi and Nail Yakupov, who showed flashes of talent but lacked high hockey IQ, the organization must prioritize Savoie's development. His demonstrated ability to process the game at a high level, combined with his inherent talent, suggests he will continue to improve and succeed with the Oilers. His ceiling is high, and his intelligence could help him exceed expectations, benefiting the Oilers for many seasons to come.