Edmonton Oilers

Analyst Names Oilers Surprising “X-Factor” in NHL Playoffs This Season

Matt Savoie has to have a big playoffs if the Edmonton Oilers are going to go far. Is he their “X-Factor” this season?

by
NHL Trade Talk
April 20, 2026

One might assume that Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard or one of many obvious stars the Edmonton Oilers have entering the 2026 NHL playoffs might be their “X-Factor” But, according to one analyst, it’s a rookie on this Oilers roster that could be the difference-maker in a long playoff run and ultimate Stanley Cup win.

Rob Brown named Matthew Savoie as the Oilers’ not-so-obvious key to a championship parade.

“[Matt Savoie] had a nice season, but now there’s pressure. You play for a team with Cup aspirations, and you’re riding shotgun with Connor McDavid. He’s going to have to produce."

Rob Brown joins @RealKyper and @jtbourne to share why Savoie is the Oilers' playoff x-factor. pic.twitter.com/ijiEKFtVd9
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) April 20, 2026

Podkolzin, Roslovic, Kapanen… who is the “X-factor?” asked Nick Kypreos.

Brown, of Got Yer Back and 880 CHED, responded, “To me, it’s Matty Savoie. He’s a young kid—I’ve had him since Grade 4. He’s a St. Albert kid, he’s been in our academy, and he’s actually worked our hockey schools for us. Incredible kid, great work ethic.”

Brown added that Savoie has had a nice regular-season run of 18 goals as a rookie, but now there’s pressure. The playoffs is where the style of play ramps up and the men are separated from the boys. And, because Savoie is getting a golden opportunity, he has to remain solid.

Savoie With McDavid Has to Click

Brown went on to explain, “You play in the playoffs for a team that has Stanley Cup aspirations, and you’re playing with Connor McDavid. I mean, if the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, Connor McDavid is going to have to have an incredible playoffs—we know that. Every team that wins the Cup, their best players are amazing.” He added, “So McDavid’s got to have a great run, and if you’re riding shotgun with him, then you’re going to have to produce. So to me, the X-factor is Savoie.”

It’s a big ask, given he’s only played 87 games in his National Hockey League career. He has to find a way to ensure that inexperience doesn’t overwhelm him. He’s on the top line with the best player in the world. There is going to be an expectation he scores and only so much time given if he doesn’t.

Brown said, “If he has a good playoff, that’s very good for the Edmonton Oilers—that means they’re going a long way.”

Next: Oilers Tease Draisaitl and Dickinson Returns for Game 1