Oilers 2026-27 Player Previews: Matt Savoie

The 2026-27 season is almost here, so let’s continue our Edmonton Oilers player preview series. The last player we looked at was Mathieu Joseph, and now we turn our attention to Matt Savoie.

The Oilers received terrible news less than one month before training camp begins. It was announced that Savoie will not participate in training camp and will miss most of October due to an injury sustained during offseason training activities. The 22-year-old finished his rookie season with 18 goals and 37 points in 82 games, but he broke out in the second half, registering nine goals and 19 points in 25 games following the Olympic break, culminating with his first career hat trick in the last game of the regular season. While his injury is a tough blow, he’ll look to continue his upward trajectory this season. With that said, here’s his 2026-27 player preview.

Savoie Has Arrived

Savoie arrived on the scene and established himself as a full-time NHL player. He came into 2025-26 with just five NHL games under his belt. He scored his first goal on Oct. 30 against the New York Rangers, after going goalless through his first 11 games.

His great stretch run at the end of the season was rewarded as he finished on the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman. He deserves to remain in the top six when healthy. However, he’s a versatile player, and his style of play will translate well to the third line and add offence to that struggling group. He can get plugged in anywhere in the lineup and still make an impact.

Savoie also became an integral penalty killer. He led the forward group in penalty-kill ice time with 132:13, roughly 27 minutes more than the next-highest forward, Adam Henrique. He also added two shorthanded goals. He was trusted on the penalty kill and defensively, so don’t expect that to change.

Best Case Scenario

The best-case scenario is that his injury isn’t serious and won’t linger throughout the campaign. It’s already confirmed that he will miss the start of the season, so playing every game is out of the question. However, he has all the tools to be a 20-goal scorer in this league. If he can register 20 goals and 50 points, that would be a good season. Most of his production will come at even strength, since he won’t get much power-play time. If he does find himself on the man advantage this season, 25 goals shouldn’t be ruled out. He has a nose for the net and can make plays. The St. Albert, Alberta native is just scratching the surface offensively.

The Oilers have revamped their penalty kill by hiring associate coach D.J. Smith to run it. They also re-signed Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy, and added Ryan Shea on the blue line. Savoie should remain an important piece on that unit. If he can help Edmonton become a top-10 penalty-killing team, that’s a major win. He gained important experience and will learn from Dickinson, who’s one of the better penalty-killing forwards in the league. The youngster should help the Oilers win games in many different ways.

Worst Case Scenario

At worst, his injury doesn’t heal as it should, and his return-to-play timeline is extended. Late October was the reported timeline for his return, but if that bleeds into November, that’s worrisome.

Sounds like Savoie and Andersen will be available late October or so. https://t.co/i0JOIiicM7

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) August 26, 2026

There’s always a concern with a new head coach and whether he will gel with his players. Hopefully Mike Babcock appreciates what Savoie brings to the table and will put him in positions to succeed. That shouldn’t be an issue because what coach doesn’t like high-IQ, defensively responsible players with a great work ethic? However, there’s always some uncertainty and an adjustment period for the coach and the players.

So, what would a bad season look like? Under 14 goals and 35 points would be a downgrade, especially after his solid rookie season. Plus, if he spends less than 100 minutes on the penalty kill, that’s not enough. He should only get better and take on an elevated role as he gains more experience.

What should we expect from Savoie this season? Keep following The Hockey Writers for all your NHL content throughout the offseason.

Advanced stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.