Oilers need to get a start on Matt Savoie's next contract

Originally drafted ninth overall at the 2022 NHL Draft, Matt Savoie came with a lot of hype from his junior days and for good reason. The 22 year old has been able to play at a high level every step of the way on his hockey journey so far with multiple seasons above 90 points in the WHL and a near point-per-game professional debut in 2024-25 with the Bakersfield Condors.

This past season was Savoie's first in the NHL and although he did not put together a Calder worthy performance, he played well. Well enough that given the changes to the market, especially for young restricted free agents, the Oilers would be smart to lock him up as soon as possible.

However, according to Savoie's agent Gerry Johansson, the two sides have yet to begin discussions on a new contract. Speaking with Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now, Johansson said “We haven’t, only because I think Edmonton’s in a unique position where they’re in a win-now mode,” He continued “I think Matt is patient and really enjoys it here and did a good job last year, so we’re excited to see what he can do. I’m sure we’ll get down to that sooner than later.”

The player and his agent being fine waiting makes a lot of sense given how the calculus has changed. Savoie is a pending restricted free agent and the more the Oilers wait to negotiate his contract, the more he likely costs to extend.

The RFA market has changed

This past summer has changed the market in favour of the players. Anaheim Ducks franchise centre, 21 year old Leo Carlsson became the highest paid player in the NHL after he signed an offersheet with the Philadelphia Flyers that paid him $18 million per season for five years. That deal was recently topped when San Jose Sharks star and Olympian, 20 year old Macklin Celebrini signed his own five-year extension worth $18.8 million per year.

Although the contract is rich, especially compared to those signed by Oilers stars, the deal is also much higher in terms of dollar figure and cap hit percentage compared to both Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. But, this is the new normal and fans need to get used to it whether they like it or not. This is why teams like the Montreal Canadiens who locked up their core early and maxed out their contract term will look smart. All of the contracts for their stars are expected to age like fine wine and the Oilers would be smart to follow suit.

Savoie has the chance to maximize his value

Although Savoie struggled to produce out of the gate this past season, he got much better as the season went along.

He went from averaging 13:50 of time on ice and scoring just nine goals and nine assists for 18 points in 58 games heading into the 2026 Olympic break. Afterwards, he record 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) and averaged 17:04 of time on ice through just 24 games to end the year. He went from being on pace for just 25 points in 82 games to being on pace for 64 points in 82 games. He finished the year actually scoring 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists) in 82 games.

If Savoie is able to continue at or close to the pace he ended with last season, he will be due for a major pay raise. Especially if the Oilers plan to lean on their young players, Savoie will be put in advantageous positions to succeed and the Oilers need to plan ahead if they want to stay competitive.

Although McDavid has left money on the table in both contract extensions, there is no promise he will continue to. The longer the Oilers wait, the more it could cost them, the salary cap is only going to rise and the recent contracts, the market may raise as well.

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