The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for the 2025-26 NHL season, focused on injecting youth and depth into their offense, while ensuring they maintain effective lineups alongside their stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The aftermath of losing two Stanley Cup Finals calls for an imminent renewal in several areas. Among the signs of rebuilding, the departure of several veteran players has opened up spots in the top six, allowing emerging players to gain crucial minutes on the main roster.
In this line, recent information suggests that the Oilers may choose to give more playing time to one of their highest-potential rookies to gain minutes and experience in the big leagues. Playing alongside McDavid and Draisaitl would be an exciting opportunity to forge a winning profile.
Who is the rookie that could gain minutes with the Oilers?
According to insider Allan Mitchell from The Athletic, young forward Matt Savoie could get an early boost alongside Draisaitl on the second line. “Draisaitl’s ability to perform well with anyone should be a huge help for rookie Matt Savoie,” he predicted.
Leon Draisatl of the Oilers
This situation means that, with a calm offseason advancing, the Oilers might look inward instead of making a big splash in the market to reach glory. Savoie was acquired by Edmonton in July 2024 from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio.
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The strong projection for Savoie
Having played only four games in the NHL in 2024-25, rookie Savoie shined in the AHL with 54 points and a +21 rating in 66 games with the Bakersfield Condors. On his potential, GM Stan Bowman expressed to the press: “I think Matt Savoie is probably poised to take a big step next year.”
