Edmonton Oilers Sign Free Agent Forward, Call Up Top 10 Draft Pick

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Liam McCormick
October 7, 2024 (3:13 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers announced a pair of roster moves, signing forward Cameron Wright and calling up Matthew Savoie.

Cameron Wright is an undrafted 26 year old forward who joined the Bakersfield Condors last season on an AHL deal. He had a productive season, scoring 21 points in 48 games. Previous to the Condors, Wright came up playing College hockey, then working through the ECHL. He's earned a significant raise, signing a one year two-way contract for $952K.

In addition the Oilers also recalled their highest ranked prospect Matthew Savoie. The Oilers acquired Savoie in a trade this offseason with the Buffalo Sabres, who drafted him 9th overall in the 2022 Draft. Savoie instantly became the Oilers top ranked prospect with his high-end offensive talent. He showed flashes of that talent in preseason, but ultimately was cut from training camp roster fairly early. Now that he's on the opening night roster, Savoie could play games early this year.

According to Bob Stauffer, these moves may indicate the Oilers are taking a different approach with their salary cap. The original goal was to not place Kane on LTIR to accrue cap space, but these moves indicate that Kane may be moved there. We'll have to see in the coming days how the Oilers approach the Kane injury.

Similarly, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of the Athletic believes this is a salary-cap transaction. Savoie likely won't play, and will be sent back to the AHL shortly.

The puck drops on the Oilers regular season this Wednesday, October 9th against the Winnipeg Jets at home. Gear up Oilers fans, hockey is officially back!