Edmonton Oilers fans were finally given something to celebrate this past weekend as a blockbuster trade featuring a familiar face shocked the reeling fan base out of the slump caused by Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.
That familiar face? St. Albert native Matt Savoie.
Savoie who played his minor hockey here in St. Albert, was traded to his hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers, from the Buffalo Sabres for Ryan Mcleod and Tyler Tullio. This news come as the first big move for the Edmonton Oilers interm general manager Jeff Jackson and it should pay off quite handsomely.
From an early age Savoie was touted to be one of the next great prospects, going first overall in the WHL bantam draft in 2019. Originally selected by Wenatchee Wild, formerly known as the Winnipeg Ice, Savoie spent most of his WHL career with the Wild before finishing out this past season with the Moose Jaw Warriors where he finished with 71 points in only 34 games.
He also added 24 points in 19 playoff games as the Warriors were able to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup and book a spot in the Memorial Cup tournament, where they finished third.
While Savoie has only played in one NHL game in his career, he is widely considered to have some of the best upside in the NHL. Adding that to a team in the Oilers who are considered to have some of, if not the most forward depth in the NHL is exciting.
However, the excitement isn't just from the fans. Savoie also shared his excitement when speaking with the media earlier today (July 8): "It's exciting. You know watching the playoff run they went on and being around the city and the buzz it's exciting to come to this team right now".
