Top Oilers prospect wins skill competition, roster move could be coming soon
Top Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie is having a resurgent year in the AHL this season, and now has just won the league's speed competition, helping his case for a call up.
Oilers analysts have been pointing to Savoie's quality season as a reason for a call up, which could happen for a time before the playoffs.
Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie wins AHL skills competition for speed
At the AHL all star weekend and skills competition yesterday, Savoie won the event for fastest skater with an impressive lap time of 13.652 seconds. The league record is 12.915 seconds, won by Ethan Frank.
It's an impressive display for Savoie to win fastest player in the league, showing some raw skill that will always play in the NHL. He's obviously got more than just speed, but it's a real asset.
Savoie even joked that the key to winning was just not falling. It's a funny comment, but also shows he's dialled in to nailing the basics for success.
Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie firing on all cylinders, looks primed for call up
The Oilers traded for Savoie last year as a his prospect stock dipped in the Sabres organization, but he played on 4 different teams in one season, and got injured in his NHL debut.
Playing out the full season with the Bakersfield Condors has clearly been the best place for Savoie to this point. Getting consistent ice time in all situations, Savoie's been developing his game and has begun to put together the offensive success too. In 40 games, Savoie has 12 goals and 31 points.
A few weeks ago, Oilers insider Daniel Nugent-Bowman speculated that Savoie could earn himself a call up late in the season, or perhaps in the playoffs in the right situation.
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman
It's great to see that Savoie is now living up to the expectations from his draft position now, perhaps giving the Oilers a very exciting prospect. Oilers fans should get excited to see him on the team soon.
