Edmonton Oilers top prospect could slot in as Dylan Holloway replacement

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Liam McCormick
September 8, 2024 (4:36 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers made some great offseason moves this year, but one of the consequences was becoming the oldest team in average age in the NHL.

Losing Dylan Holloway, Warren Foegele, Ryan McLeod, and even Philip Broberg is making the Edmonton Oilers much older and a bit slower. Through a long 82 game stretch, they might want to get some youth and speed into the lineup - and they could look toward top prospect Matthew Savoie.

The Edmonton Oilers acquired Savoie in a one-for-one trade for Ryan McLeod. Savoie has some high draft pedigree as the ninth overall pick from 2022, and has already made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres. However, the Edmonton Journal is reporting he could get some real ice time with the Oilers this year if the team believes he can play, and needs some more speed in the lineup.

»Two attendees to these sessions are young players on value contracts that have an outside shot at cracking this roster. Will Matt Savoie be much further behind than Dylan Holloway?»
- Kurt Leavins

It's not just Savoie either that could earn a call up this season. Other older prospects like Lane Pederson, Raphael Lavoie, and Noah Philp could be making the NHL roster this season.

It's a valid concern that the Oilers much older roster this year will be a bit slower, and may not hold up as well to the physical test of an 82 game season. Perhaps a player like the 39 year old Corey Perry doesn't need to play every night, and managing his workload can also provide a solid opportunity for young players. Coach Knoblauch has certainly earned the fanbase's trust to make the right move, and we'll see if he decided to lean on the organization's youth.

Source for Savoie Stats: PuckPedia - Matthew Savoie