It was exciting news when the Edmonton Oilers recalled Matt Savoie from the Bakersfield Condors following the 4 Nations Face-Off. On a tear in the American Hockey League (AHL) of late and playing at a point-per-game rate, it was only a matter of time before Savoie was afforded his first opportunity with the Oilers.
With 37 points in 45 games with the Condors this season, Savoie has the skill and ability to become an impact player at the NHL level. Given Edmonton has long struggled to find scoring from their depth players, the move provided much potential for the bottom of the lineup to contribute more consistently and significantly. Savoie quickly rewarded the Oilers for the opportunity, collecting his first NHL point in his first game.
Related: Oilers’ Deadline Dilemma: Should Matt Savoie Be Traded?
While the Oilers might have wanted to reward Savoie for his strong play, calling him up might have also been part of a bigger plan Edmonton has in play. Recalled mere weeks ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline and in the middle of a hot stretch, it isn’t far-fetched to imagine the Oilers are also showcasing Savoie’s skills to other teams.
The organization is significantly short of valuable assets, so playing their most significant trade chip a handful of days ahead of the trade deadline can’t be a coincidence. Sure, it would be odd for the Oilers to trade their recently acquired top prospect, who also happens to be an Alberta native. However, they are in the business of winning Stanley Cups, and if trading Savoie will help lead the Oilers to a championship, they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
Sensing a Savoie Swap
The Oilers are still looking for their first victory since the 1989-90 campaign after falling in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers. Their window to win is now, as the team’s top players are in their prime, and their overall depth is impressive. However, as we saw last season, a team can never have enough depth or skill, so a potential trade involving Savoie could make sense. Despite questions about his size, Savoie has taken a significant step this season and has proven he can be an impactful player at the professional level, and the timing of his recall is intriguing.
After proving himself at the AHL level as a rookie, rewarding Savoie with an NHL opportunity to gain experience while showcasing his abilities is a win-win for the Oilers. Even if no team is calling about him, Savoie will have gained invaluable experience playing alongside a handful of the NHL’s best players before returning to the AHL ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, if trade talks do happen to revolve around him, teams that are interested will have had ample time to see what he’s capable of and how he’s able to ply his trade at hockey’s highest level.
Savoie Call-Up Simply a Coincidence?
While the timing of Savoie’s recall could be a coincidence, inserting him into the lineup just weeks before the NHL Trade Deadline has raised some eyebrows. While there’s certainly no harm in this decision, only time will tell if Edmonton feels they have the roster necessary to once again embark upon a long playoff run. If trading Savoie is the move that puts the Oilers over the top and into contention for the Stanley Cup, the team may have to endure long-term pain in exchange for a substantial short-term gain.
