Oilers President says tough decision coming with Matthew Savoie at trade deadline
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have called up top prospect Matthew Savoie and President Jeff Jackson sees him as a long term NHL piece, but Coach Knoblauch has stapled him to the bench.
Matthew Savoie has impressed in his three games with the Oilers in very limited ice time, but still, Savoie is being scratched for two games in a row.
Oilers President says major decision coming on Matthew Savoie
On the most recent edition of the 100% Hockey podcast, Jeff Jackson emphasized the Oilers don't want to stall Savoie's development. The staff believes he's an NHL player now, and will have a tough choices come the deadline.
The plan with Matt, from the get-go, was that we were not going to yo-yo him around and bring him up. We wanted him to go down and get established in the American League.
And then he's started to click offensively, but not giving up on any of his all-around game 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
And then he's started to click offensively, but not giving up on any of his all-around game 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
Given the fact Knoblauch seems to have little time for Savoie or other young players, it seems unlikely he could stay with the team through the playoffs - even if he has impressed Oilers fans and management alike.
Knoblauch should give him more time in the lineup to evaluate if he could be an immediate piece to the team, making another top six forward like Arvidsson or Skinner expendable for a cap dump trade
It may even be possible that Savoie gets traded, but he should only go for another high end player with term. Trading Savoie for a rental will be a non-starter.
However, the most likely outcome is that Savoie gets re-assigned to the AHL after the trade deadline while the Oilers go forward with their vets.
Matthew Savoie deemed guaranteed NHL player by Oilers management
Oilers fans and management should be equally thrilled with the development of Savoie this season, and with his brief stint in the NHL this season.
Many aren't thrilled with the current decision to scratch Savoie, especially with veterans like Janmark, Kapanen, and others struggling.
Savoie is performing like a top prospect is expected to, and will likely be pencilled into next year's starting lineup.
| POLL | ||
MARS 1 | 496 ANSWERS Oilers President says tough decision coming with Matthew Savoie at trade deadline Do you think Savoie should stay in the current lineup, or is he not ready yet? | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
