The Oilers’ Dilemma: Sending Down Matt Savoie
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a precarious situation, seemingly deepening their woes with each passing game. Following a demoralizing loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, which dropped their record to 1-6 in their last seven games, the team has decided to send rookie Matt Savoie back to the AHL. This move comes as a shock to many, especially given the current state of the team. The Oilers are struggling to score, and the recent addition of Trent Frederic has filled out their roster, but it doesn’t necessarily address their underlying issues.
A Cursory Look at Savoie’s Performance
A quick glance at Savoie’s brief tenure with the Oilers might suggest a lackluster performance: he managed just one point in four losses and was a -4 in the most recent defeat. However, this overview doesn’t capture the nuanced aspects of his play. Savoie, a 21-year-old forward, displayed significant promise in his inaugural NHL games, fitting comfortably into a top-six role. Head coach Kris Knoblauch echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that Savoie did a lot of good things. "It’s unfortunate that we’ve played some of our worst games when he’s played," Knoblauch remarked, "but it’s no indication of his play." The team’s struggles are more indicative of a larger problem rather than any individual shortcomings.
The Oilers’ Scoring Woes and Salary Cap Constraints
The Oilers have been grappling with scoring issues for an extended period. Despite having two of the league’s most dynamic forwards, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team’s offense has been inconsistent and underwhelming. This season, they have also been up against the salary cap, limiting their ability to make significant moves to bolster their lineup. The club’s veteran roster, currently the oldest in the league, is beginning to show signs of age and wear, contributing to their fragile state. In a recent press conference, Knoblauch described the team as "fragile," highlighting the need for internal adjustments and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Question of Urgency
Given the Oilers’ current roster constraints, the decision to send Savoie down to Bakersfield raises many questions. While the addition of Frederic has filled the roster, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Savoie had to be the player sent back. The bottom of Edmonton’s lineup has been a continual weak spot, and alternatives like Kasperi Kapanen or Troy Stecher could have been considered for a waiver assignment. Another option would have been to place the injured Frederic on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to open a spot. By sending Savoie back, the Oilers are not only depriving themselves of a potential scoring boost but also failing to show the urgency needed to turn their season around.
The Impact on McDavid and Draisaitl
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been shouldering the offensive load for the Oilers, often with little support from their teammates. The strain is evident, and both players are beginning to show signs of fatigue. The team’s only immediate reinforcements are Frederic and Evander Kane, who are still recovering from injuries. Savoie, a skilled and hardworking prospect, could have provided the necessary spark to lighten their load. Instead, he is back in the AHL, where he will continue to develop but won’t be able to contribute to the team’s immediate needs. This decision further isolates their star players, who are already struggling to carry the team.
Learning from Mistakes: The Dylan Holloway Example
The Oilers are still grappling with the aftermath of losing Dylan Holloway, who is excelling with the St. Louis Blues. Holloway is on pace for 26 goals and 61 points this season, a testament to his talent and the opportunities he has been given. The Oilers’ handling of Savoie’s brief stint in the NHL bears a striking resemblance to the situation with Holloway. By not giving Savoie a fair chance to prove himself, the Oilers risk alienating another promising young forward. In a league where talent is highly valued and development is crucial, the team must be cautious not to repeat past mistakes. Savoie’s potential to grow and contribute at the NHL level is significant, and the front office and coaching staff need to act with more urgency to capitalize on it.
