The Edmonton Oilers have a really solid prospect pool. Their ability to scout players in the later rounds has stood out and wowed fans for a few years now, but one name that stands out is 2020 fourth-round draft pick, Carter Savoie.
Carter, the older brother of Buffalo Sabres draft pick Matt Savoie, is a stud that like many underrated Oilers prospects, was found in the later rounds. A 53-goal, 46-assist performance with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the AJHL in the 2019-20 season got the attention of quite a few NHL teams, and the Oilers got lucky and selected him 100th overall.
Savoie spent the next two seasons in the NCAA with the University of Denver, where he remained a standout player. In these two seasons, Savoie played 63 games, scoring 36 goals and adding 29 assists for 65 points, just over a point per game. This season has been the first taste of professional hockey for Savoie, after signing his entry-level deal with the Oilers, he has played 29 games with the Condors, scoring eight goals and adding three assists for 11 points.
What stood out to many scouts in the 2020 draft is what stands out to the Oilers now, his offensive ability and natural scoring touch. Similar to his brother Matt, Carter Savoie is able to put the puck in the net from just about anywhere while being able to read defenders on the rush, a skill not many players his age possess.
Next season might be a little early for an NHL call-up, but by the 2024-25 season, Carter Savoie will have worked his way into the Edmonton Oilers lineup, I can almost guarantee that. He plays like a natural pro, and as a rookie putting up the points he is in the bottom six of an AHL team is impressive. He’s got an NHL-ready shot and throws his weight around when he needs to. A little clean-up in the defensive end and he’ll be ready.