Fans react as Edmonton Oilers acquire top prospect Matthew Savoie [Image Credit: IMAGN]
The Edmonton Oilers have been largely active this offseason, especially after free agency hit on July 1. They now added forward Matthew Savoie from the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors.
Savoie is a junior ice hockey center who was originally drafted No. 9 overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL draft. He would eventually make his NHL debut the following year in November. On Friday, Savoie was traded to Edmonton in exchange for Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio.
Once news of the trade hit the headlines fans were quick to let their opinions known online. Some found the deal to be a steal for the Oilers and praised the trade, but some were skeptical of exactly how much impact Savoie could have alongside stars like Connor McDavid.
Following are some fan reactions from X/Twitter:
“Oilers just robbed the Sabres, though this doesn’t really help McDavid win a cup.”
“I can’t believe the Sabres just gave this kid up. One of the greatest skaters I’ve ever seen,” commented one fan.
“So McLeod and tullio went to a team that was in a game 7 cup finally to a team that never even made the playoffs since Atleats 30 years f in the chat lol,” quipped one user.
Fans also praised Oilers General Manager Jeff Jackson for the trade. They lauded the GM for the array of signings the Oilers have made in free agency:
“Matt Savoie was in my god damn trade packages if Draisaitl chose to move on. I’m stunned. Jeff Jackson for President, GM, and Mayor imo.”
“JEFF JACKSON IS A LEGEND!! Don’t get me wrong, loved Clouder and am sad to see him go. But he unfortunately disappeared during big moments in the playoffs next season. And definitely not mad that we got one of the league’s most talented prospects in return. All the best, Clouder,” wrote one fan.
“JEFF JACKSON FOR PRIME MINISTER,” quipped another fan.
Matthew Savoie to Edmonton hailed a ‘four quarter win’ by analyst
Following the trade on Friday, TSN’s Craig Button praised the Edmonton Oilers for acquiring Matthew Savoie from the Buffalo Sabres.
The former NHLer called it a “four quarter win” for Edmonton as they gained a highly skilled player on an entry-level contract for three years, providing salary cap relief and taking advantage of Buffalo’s surplus of smaller, skilled players.
He said:
“This is a four quarter win for the Oilers. First corner is they get a highly skilled player. Then you get a player on an entry-level contract for three years.
“Third corner you get salary cap relief and fourth being able to take advantage of a situation where the opposing team had a surplus of the same player [smaller, skilled players]. I view it as a win for Edmonton,” Button added.
Savoie had played 283 games with the Winnipeg Ice, Wenatchee Wild and Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL, scoring 103 goals and 160 assists for a total of 263 points. It now remains to be seen if he can carry his form and help Edmonton inch closer to their Stanley Cup dreams next season.
