Babcock Offers Injury Update and Game Plan for Matt Savoie

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When asked about a timeline for the return of Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Savoie, head coach Mike Babcock indicated that he’s as excited as anyone to see the youngster play in games. “I ask that myself every day. So, yeah, I’d like to see him…” he noted. However, the Oilers aren’t rushing Savoie and Babcock isn’t making the decisions. “That’s a great thing about the head coach has nothing to do with when guys return. They tell me.”

The plan right now seems to be to give him the rest of the time he needs to heal, then a little more.

Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now writes, ‘Mike Babcock indicates as a younger player Savoie will need to go the minors for a few games when he is cleared to get back to playing.” Meaning, even when he’s cleared, he won’t be pushed right back into the lineup. While the Oilers would love the depth and to get Savoie into the top-six role he’s pegged for, they have time. A 13-3-3 record, with the team at the top of the Pacific Division standings, has offered a cushion. The Oilers intend to use it.

Savoie will be important to the Oilers’ success. He’s a solid winger who can score, offer minutes on the penalty kill, and help slot other players where they should on the roster. However, Babcock has been steadfast in his message that injured players need time to get back up to speed when they return. Savoie will need more than most.

This is not like plopping Jason Dickinson or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins back in and giving them a game or two to find their legs. Savoie is entering his second full NHL season, and he’s not the veteran those others are. Easing him back in makes the most sense, and giving him games in Bakersfield is wise.

Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 noted, “I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a Matt Savoie practice sighting when they return from their six-game road trip…”

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