Matt Savoie's Future with Oilers: A Cap Dilemma

It's April 4th.

This is NHL News today, powered by AI Everything Happening With Your Team.

I'm Corey with The Story.

Edmonton Oilers snagged forward, Matt Savoy from the Buffalo Sabers back in July 2024,

and now this 22-year-old is lighting in.

Up in his first full season, with 15 goals, and 32 points over 76 games.

He's got one year left on his entry-level deal, eligible for an extension starting July

1st, and he'll hit Restricted Free Agency in 20.

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With General Manager Stan Bowman calling the shots, Summer Talks could get spicy.

Savoy's undersized at 5-10, but he stayed healthy, logging 14 minutes 32 seconds of

ice time per game while playing every.

Situation.

They bumped him to the top line for instant chemistry, and he's owning the penalty

kill, leading Oilers forwards in shorthanded minutes.

Fans and analysts are buzzing about his ceiling, while he top out as a gritty top-9 guy with

15 goals and killer PK shifts, or evolve into a 20-25 goal top-6 score.

It's a tough spot for Bowman, balancing risk on a long-term bet versus a safer short

deal, especially with cap space tight after past extension misses.

Like Broberg and Holloway, looking at comps, Logan Stan Kovan inked an 8-year pact at

a $6 million cap hit after similar production, while Chicago's Frank Nizargad, seven years

under $6.6 million, despite fewer games.

teammate Vasili Podkoltan went three years at $2.95 million, and he exploded after signing.

A smart play might be five years around $4.5 million, covering his restricted years

right to unrestricted free agency at age.

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That sets him up for a big payday if he keeps climbing, while keeping the Oilers flexible

in their cup chase.