Oilers GM Talks Opportunity to Sign 18-Goal Guy Before Deadline

Stan Bowman spoke with the Edmonton Oilers media contingent on Wednesday and was asked for an update on Matt Savoie. Discussing both Savoie’s injury and the status of contract negotiations, Bowman said he didn’t have an update, per se, on Savoie’s return date. As for an extension, he’s not worried.

Bowman was asked if he tried to sign Matt Savoie, given all the money that is flying out the door in the NHL. “The landscape has definitely shifted,” the GM responded. “As far as his contract, I’m not going to comment. You know, I’m confident that that’s going to work itself out in time. I think the landscape is shifting around the league. We saw a lot of deals the last couple days, and even over the summer, with where the salary cap is headed. So, it’s a big puzzle. Each team has a different puzzle than we do.”

Matt is projected to be a big part of the upcoming season for the Oilers.

So, I think that’s kind of part of it, is trying to figure out what’s strategically the best move on how we approach all of our contracts. So, in time, we’ll get to that. And, you know what, we’re excited about Matt and disappointed he won’t be starting the season, but he’s not going to miss that much time.”

Will This Cost the Oilers to Have Waited?

In one small way, the injury situation and the timing might help the Oilers save a little money on Savoie’s contract. The rush to get guys in under the CBA deadline on Tuesday may be why so much money got thrown out there. As things simmer down, contracts will still have high AAVs, but perhaps not as much as those given out as GMs rushed to get their players under contract. It might help that the Oilers didn’t panic.

“I think that Matt had a great season last year, particularly the second half of the season. I think once he found his stride there, probably right around the Olympic break when he came back, is when his game sort of went to that next level, and we’re excited for when he’ll be back with us.”

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