Oilers Bolster Penalty Kill with Winger Savoie's Arrival

Edmonton calls up AHL standout ahead of NHL return from Olympic break

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:20pm

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The Edmonton Oilers have recalled winger Matt Savoie from their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield ahead of their first game back from the Olympic break. While Savoie may not be an offensive dynamo, he brings a special skill to the Oilers' penalty kill unit, making fewer mistakes leading to high-danger scoring chances than any other Oilers forward.

Why it matters

The Oilers are looking to make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season, and shoring up their penalty kill will be crucial. Savoie's ability to limit mistakes on the PK could provide a valuable boost to the team's special teams performance down the stretch.

The details

Savoie, a 2022 first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres who was traded to the Oilers in 2024, has played in 62 NHL games for Edmonton over the past two seasons. While his offensive numbers are modest, with 9 goals and 9 assists this year, his advanced stats show he is an elite penalty killer. In 90 minutes of shorthanded time on ice, Savoie has made just 12 mistakes leading to high-danger shots against, the lowest rate of any Oilers forward.

  • The Oilers return to action on Wednesday, February 26, 2026 after the Olympic break.

The players

Matt Savoie

A 24-year-old winger who was a first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2022 before being traded to the Oilers in 2024. He has emerged as an elite penalty killer for Edmonton.

Connor McDavid

The Oilers' superstar center who is confirmed to be playing in Wednesday's game against the Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“Savoie has the lowest rate of any Oilers forward when it comes to making mistakes on the PK that lead to Grade A shots against.”

— David Staples, Edmonton Journal

What’s next

The Oilers will need Savoie to continue his strong penalty killing performance as they push for a playoff spot in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

The addition of Matt Savoie gives the Oilers a valuable penalty-killing specialist as they return to action following the Olympic break. His ability to limit high-danger chances against could provide a much-needed boost to Edmonton's special teams and playoff aspirations.