Insider reveals whether Oilers will sign top rookie and avoid another offer sheet: 'Mark my words'
NHL insider Bob Stauffer revealed that the Oilers have learned from prior mistakes and will sign top rookie Matt Savoie to a new contract extension.
Edmonton Oilers insider Bob Stauffer used the team's broadcast against the Kraken to make one thing clear to fans: the Oilers are not in danger of losing rookie Matt Savoie to an offer sheet, and they fully expect to sign him to a new contract.
"Here's the reality with Matt Savoie. The Oilers will not make the same mistake with Matt Savoie that they made with Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Matt Savoie will be bridged. He's represented by Edmonton's Gerry Johansson. Stan Bowman will get ahead of this. Mark my words. They will get a deal done on an extension at some point here with Matt. They developed him the right way, full season down in the minors, he killed penalties for (Bakersfield boss) Keith Gretzky and (Bako coach) Colin Chaulk's squad, that's how he got the short-handed goal. He can do more things than just play in a top six score. If worst comes to worst, he can play as a third line winger. Very useful player with a high upside."
- Bob Stauffer
- Bob Stauffer
The memories that Bob Stauffer's comment brought up
The comment naturally brought back memories of Edmonton's massive setback in the summer of 2024, when spending too much in free agency left the team without the cap space to match the St. Louis offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
Those losses still sting, and the organization has been under pressure to avoid repeating that mistake with young talent.
How Matt Savoie increased his value last night
Savoie helped emphasize his value on the same night Stauffer made the remark, putting together one of his strongest performances of the season.
He generated multiple Grade A chances and scored his fourth goal of the year, continuing to push for a full-time role.
"You got to score if you're going to play in a Top 6 role and that's a huge goal for him."
- Craig MacTavish
- Craig MacTavish
Former Oilers player, coach, and GM Craig MacTavish noted that these timely goals come at an important moment for Savoie as he works to solidify himself as a top-six winger.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 79 ANSWERS Insider reveals whether Oilers will sign top rookie and avoid another offer sheet: 'Mark my words' Will the Oilers sign Matt Savoie to a new contract? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 70.9 % |
| No | 23 | 29.1 % |
| List of polls | ||