Matt Savoie poised to take big step with Edmonton Oilers next season, says GM Stan Bowman
Matt Savoie may be on the verge of a breakout season. Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman recently expressed confidence in the 21-year-old forward, suggesting that Savoie could take a major step forward in the 2025–26 campaign.
With veteran departures creating lineup openings, and a need for penalty-killing depth, the spotlight is now firmly on the young forward to prove himself in training camp.
Edmonton Oilers GM backs Matt Savoie for expanded role next season
Stan Bowman didn't hold back when talking about Matt Savoie's future in Edmonton.
'There is some growth from within. I think Matt Savoie is probably poised to take a big step next year,'
the Oilers GM said during a recent interview. With the exits of Connor Brown and Corey Perry in free agency, the Oilers have key roster spots to fill, particularly on the penalty kill.
Savoie, acquired last summer in a trade that sent Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio to the Buffalo Sabres, impressed last season in the AHL with 54 points in 66 games for Bakersfield. But more importantly, his defensive responsibility and special teams play caught the attention of the Oilers' staff.
Penalty kill and even strength performance key to NHL shot
While Savoie played only four games with the Oilers last season, head coach Kris Knoblauch noted his reliability at even strength and his promise on the penalty kill.
'He didn't have any penalty-kill time when he was with us, but certainly, we saw him being a reliable two-way player at 5-on-5,'
Knoblauch said.
The Oilers believe Savoie's opportunity will lie primarily in shorthanded situations.
'The opportunity for Savoie is on the penalty kill, not that he can't be on the power play, but I definitely see him being a big part of our penalty kill,'
Bowman emphasized.
Youth movement could define Oilers' 2025–26 season
With a veteran core still intact but the team falling just short of a Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons, Edmonton appears ready to inject youth into its lineup. Savoie stands out as one of the top candidates to step up and make an impact. Training camp will be his proving ground, and all signs point to a real chance at a full-time NHL role.
If he delivers, Savoie could be one of the surprise contributors in a pivotal Oilers season.
Also Read:
Conor Timmins reunites with Maple Leafs' Bobby McMann and Joseph Woll at Coldplay concert in Toronto
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram continues to fuel dating rumors with rapper GloRilla
GloRilla and Brandon Ingram (Image via X) NBA player Brandon Ingram usually tries to keep his dating life private for the most part. He was previously linked to an exotic dancer after she posted some pictures of the two. He was also seen spending time with R&B singer Paloma Ford around the same time. But now, after almost three years of basically no update about his love life, he was spotted getting cozy with rapper GloRilla, that too, twice in a row. Is this the start of yet another NBA athlete-sexy rapper relationship? A new trend in the game - NBA star gets cozy with rapper After Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion made it official on Instagram, it looks like another couple is in the making. Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram was spotted getting close to rapper GloRilla twice. First, it was at a nightclub in Cabo on July 28, where they were seen swaying to the music. The Killin' It Girl rapper was celebrating her birthday, and it seems like Ingram was her special present. And now, they have been spotted together once more. The two were seen inside a car, sitting close to each other, as they continued to click one selfie after the other. A video of the same was captured by a paparazzi, which is now making the rounds on social media. Fans are speculating if this is the start of another romance starring a musical rapper and an NBA athlete. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo But for now, the two look to be enjoying each other's company and having a good time. Fans are looking forward to Brandon Ingram shining with Toronto Raptors After sustaining a left ankle sprain back in December 2024, Brandon Ingram had to take time off for recovery. He was still with the New Orleans Pelicans at the time, but the injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder ended up being his last game for them. In February 2025, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, but he has yet to play a game for the team. Raptors fans are looking forward to seeing him in action once the next season starts later this year in October. For now, he looks busy enjoying his time off before the regular season starts. And maybe developing a new romance on the way. Also Read: GloRilla spotted getting cozy with NBA star Brandon Ingram during Cabo nightclub birthday celebration Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Fractured foot, unbreakable spirit: Rishabh Pant writes a new chapter in Manchester
Rishabh Pant (Getty Images) In the world of superheroes, a 'superpower' might mean flight, invisibility, or superhuman strength. But in cricket, Rishabh Pant has shown time and again that his truest superpower is none of these — it's the unwavering refusal to give up. He's dazzled with outrageous strokeplay — sweeping fast bowlers, hitting sixes while falling, and rewriting the script at some of cricket's most daunting venues. But beyond the fireworks lies something far more enduring: grit. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Pant's 'never-say-die' spirit has shown up at the most crucial times — whether it was his heroic 97 in Sydney with an injured elbow, the fearless 91* at the Gabba that clinched a famous series win, or his dramatic return to cricket in 2024, just 15 months after a life-threatening car crash. But nothing captured this superpower more vividly than his decision to bat on July 24 during the fourth Test against England — with a fractured foot. Despite a broken fifth metatarsal, Pant resumed his innings at 37 and went on to score 54, visibly in pain, barely running, yet hitting boundaries. The decision stunned fans and critics alike. Many questioned the risk involved, but Pant made it clear — for him, playing for India wasn't optional. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Making history: These 5 timepieces set world records at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 CNA Read More Undo It was instinct. His sister Sakshi summed it up best: 'Zakhmi hoon, magar khel raha hoon, kyunki haar manna meri fitrat mei nahi hai.' (I am injured, but I am still playing, because accepting defeat is not in my nature.) Pant's journey is full of such stories — from long bus rides from Roorkee to Delhi for trials, to playing an IPL match days after losing his father, to learning from the likes of MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant himself. Sports psychologist Alisha Raut-Pimple, who worked with Pant early in his career, believes this mindset was forged through hardship and nurtured by experience. 'He doesn't view pressure or pain as obstacles — he sees them as challenges to grow through,' she said. IND vs ENG: The Oval curator breaks silence on Gautam Gambhir's outburst ahead of 5th Test Pant's 54 at Old Trafford now joins cricket's folklore of bravery — alongside Kumble bowling with a broken jaw, Laxman battling back spasms, or Graeme Smith walking in with a broken hand. But Pant wasn't chasing headlines. He was just being who he is — a cricketer defined not by boundaries but by backbone. In the end, Pant's greatest gift to Indian cricket might not be his sixes or centuries, but the lesson his body and spirit keep repeating: the true superpower is never giving up. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Is LeBron James switching to golf? Jayson Tatum reacts as NBA star shares video on Day 2 of training
Jayson Tatum talked about LeBron James' golfing skills (Image via Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has started playing a new sport. The NBA pro recently announced on social media that he had started playing golf, which is a fun activity but can be surprisingly difficult, even for the best players. He also shared several posts of him playing the game on social media on July 4, claiming it was only his second day "of officially trying this. " Now, NBA pro Jayson Tatum recently reacted to King James picking up golf this summer. Jayson Tatum praises LeBron James as he picks up golf and shares early swing attempts After LeBron James shared a stiff, arm-heavy stroke on July 4, fans immediately compared him to golfer, Charles Barkley. His drives weren't too bad considering he was new to the sport. He could be seen wearing professional tees rather than the conventional men's tee, which is another observation from his videos. He further posted a video of his most recent swing, calling golf "a mind f**k to say the least." There is minimal wrist mobility and a rigid, arm-dominant action in the video. He also acknowledged that it was only Day 2 in his Instagram post and made a suggestion that learning to play golf would take time and humility. Meanwhile, NBA player Jayson Tatum took to Instagram on July 29 and reacted to the viral clip of LeBron James playing the game. Praising the NBA giant, he said: 'What are your thoughts? You know what? I'm just happy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You will never turn off your computer again. Undo I'm happy my guys out there. It's been a long time coming. Part of it you gotta get out there. You gotta fall in love with the game. We all probably looked like this when we first got out there. But you know, both of you keep practicing and he's only up from there. Any advice for the swing? Loosing up but you won't figure it out.' Additionally, according to Newsweek, pro PGA Tour winner Min Woo Lee also joked after watching the video: "Come a long way since the topgolf video," while the PGA of America added, "Someone is getting addicted to golf.' Jayson Tatum in action (Image via Getty Images) Even famous NBA player-cum-golfer Stephen Curry greeted LeBron James, saying: "We've been waiting for you." Millions of people watched the video, which fueled summertime speculation about the NBA pro's next move outside of basketball. Also read: "Pls get a whole sleeve–' NBA players react to Jayson Tatum's new tattoo reveal Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
