'Mark my words': Oilers will sign top rookie to new deal, insider pledges, not lose him like Broberg and Holloway

This in from Edmonton Oilers insider Bob Stauffer during Edmonton’s broadcast against the Kraken, his assurance that the Oilers won’t lose rookie Matt Savoie to an offer sheet, but will sign him to a new contract.

Said Stauffer:  “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 Keith Gretzky and 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.”

Stauffer was referencing Edmonton’s colossal blunder in the summer of 2024 when it spent too much in free agency and lacked the cap space to match offer St. Louis offer sheets for young Oilers aces Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.

Stauffer’s comment came as Savoie was having one of his best games of the year, finally getting more Grade A shots on net, and potting his fourth goal of the year.

Former Oilers player, coach and GM Craig MacTavish said the goals came at a critical time for Savoie, as he attempts to win a spot as a Top 6 winger: “You got to score if you’re going to play in a Top 6 role and that’s a huge goal for him.”

“Yeah, savvy move to get that goal,” said host Gene Principe.

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