Oilers announce roster move for top prospect that hints at deadline plans
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have announced that the team has sent top prospect Matthew Savoie back to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.
Savoie is the organization's top prospect, and was called up for an evaluation prior to the trade deadline. This roster move to send him back to the AHL could have some consequence to their deadline moves.
Edmonton Oilers send down top prospect Matthew Savoie
Savoie only played 4 games with the Oilers during this stint, and overall had a decent showing, proving to the team that he can be an NHL player.
His first three games were very good, but Coach Knoblauch then scratched him twice in a row. After one home game, Savoie will be back in the AHL for more ice time.
Oilers President Jeff Jackson said recently that Savoie's call up could lead to the Oilers making some tough decisions come the trade deadline. Although he's been sent down now, it's not impossible he still factors into their plans.
Our team hasn't played great as a team, but Stan, Kris, and I were talking about it last night. He's an NHL player.
We're really happy with where he's at, and he'll get a few more games here. Then we'll have to make some decisions as we get to the deadline.
- Jeff Jackson
We're really happy with where he's at, and he'll get a few more games here. Then we'll have to make some decisions as we get to the deadline.
- Jeff Jackson
The Oilers still have a few forwards with no-trade clauses that they may like to move before the trade deadline. Both Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner have underpowered and been scratched repeatedly, and it seems like Savoie could replace the value they bring to the team for much less salary.
However, both Arvidsson and Skinner have no trade clauses on their contracts. If they can't convince one of them to waive for a fresh start elsewhere, the team has no place for Savoie in the lineup.
We'll have to see in the coming days if and how Savoie will factor into the Oilers playoff push this season. It's possible Savoie doesn't return to the NHL this year, but he will surely be pencilled in for next year.
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