Why Matt Savoie Should Be the Oilers’ Next Core Contract

The Edmonton Oilers have not recently been bolstered by much young talent pushing for significant roles. Overall, the team has been one of the older groups in the league for quite some time—something that’s common among teams contending for the Stanley Cup.

However, the Carolina Hurricanes bucked that trend last season, leaning on young, high-end talent as they powered through the playoffs. Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven, just 22 and 23 years old respectively, made up two-thirds of the Hurricanes’ most effective line.

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Last season, Matt Savoie made the full-time jump to the NHL and quickly became an important piece of the Oilers’ present and future. He played all 82 games, recording 37 points, including 18 goals. Savoie was often one of the first players over the boards on the penalty kill, forming an effective tandem with veteran Adam Henrique and showcasing impressive defensive instincts—especially for his age.

As he worked his way up the lineup, Savoie regularly found himself alongside Connor McDavid, where he demonstrated the speed and finishing ability needed to keep pace with the best player in the world—no small feat for a 22-year-old.

Long Term Extension

The Oilers have time with Savoie, as he still has another year on his contract and isn’t offer sheet eligible until July 1st, 2027. With offer sheets threatening to become more common in this newer era of the NHL and seeing Leo Carlsson‘s massive $18 million AAV offer sheet, the Oilers should be careful not to let this drag on too long.

According to Savoie’s agent Gerry Johansson, who spoke recently on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, no talks have begun yet with the Oilers on an extension: “We haven’t, only because I think Edmonton’s in a unique position where they’re in a win-now mode.”

Johansson went on to discuss how much Savoie enjoys playing in Edmonton:

“Matt really likes it here, and we’d love him to stay here. I know he would. I think, in talking to Stan, that will come. But as we know, Edmonton is pretty focused on this year. I think Matt is patient and really enjoys it here and did a good job last year, so we’re excited to see what he can do. I’m sure we’ll get down to that sooner than later.”

Savoie grew up in St. Albert, Alberta, just outside of Edmonton, making playing in Edmonton quite special.

Waiting Game

The Oilers should be very wary about waiting to pay Savoie. If he explodes offensively, waiting until the end of next season could jump his value immensely, especially with the rising cap. If Savoie breaks out even further, which he showed major flashes of, especially near the end of the season, what would’ve been $5-6 million AAV could jump closer to $7 or $8 million. It might be more if both sides want to do a seven-year deal. A bridge deal could be an option, but the Oilers have been here before with Darnell Nurse, getting burned and paying far more than they would’ve liked to.

Following the Hurricanes’ model could help the Oilers in this situation. Signing younger talent to long-term contracts early, before a major breakout, can help save millions towards the cap down the road. Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake are great comparables to Matt Savoie, not only in play style and size, but also in potential contract dollars. If the Oilers could get Savoie signed to a max eight-year deal in the $6-7 million AAV range before these go away on September 26th, 2026, they would have a young, top-line, defensively sound winger locked up to a contract that should be tremendous value.

Next: McDavid Reflects on Losing Nurse, Embraces Fresh Start for Oilers