CHL needs to allow exemption for Buffalo Sabres prospect

The Buffalo Sabres want their 2022 first round pick Matt Savoie to get an exemption to play in Rochester for 2023-24, and he deserves that.

Matt Savoie’s detractors will claim that he’s nowhere ready to play in the AHL based on two measly playoff games. While it was clear Savoie wasn’t anywhere near the best player on the ice, the Buffalo Sabres ninth overall pick learned what he needed to do if he planned on keeping up with top-tier AHL talents – get stronger.

Fortunately, Savoie has had four months to work toward that goal, and we should see the fruits of his offseason program a few days from now for the Prospects Challenge. The Sabres also lobbied with the CHL for Savoie, born on January 1st, 2004, to play for Rochester as opposed to the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild this season, assuming he doesn’t end up in a blue and gold uniform.

"“A source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Buffalo News on Wednesday morning that the Sabres have not received an official ruling from the Canadian Hockey League after they petitioned for an exemption that would allow Savoie to play with the AHL’s Rochester Americans if he doesn’t make Buffalo’s NHL roster during training camp.” – Lance Lysowski, via Buffalo News"

Source: Sabres’ Matt Savoie unlikely to receive an exemption to start season in Rochester

Buffalo Sabres prospect has more to gain in Rochester than in Wenatchee

Right now, Savoie will only gain so much more development if the CHL refuses to grant an exemption that will leave the Sabres with no choice but to (most likely) send him back to the Wenatchee Wild. The 19-year-old was one of the best players in the CHL’s Western Hockey League (WHL) last year, and the only real benefit he’s getting from another season with the Wild would be highlight reel tape along with teammate and fellow Sabres prospect Zach Benson.

No, Savoie didn’t look good during his only two AHL games, but he was also in a playoff hockey atmosphere – the Conference Finals, to be exact. And if my memory serves me correct, Isak Rosen struggled early last season when he got his “Welcome to the AHL” experience. So I, for one, will not judge Savoie based on a pair of playoff games against a talented team like the Hershey Bears.

I understand the CHL’s agreement with the NHL and why it’s in place. But the CHL also needs to do a better job of working with NHL teams in what is in the best interest of the player. And there are times when they are too advanced for the CHL leagues before they’ve played four full seasons, or before they reached age 20.

Savoie showed us last season, and especially during the WHL playoffs, that he can handle the AHL. Yeah, he looked overwhelmed in those two contests. But again, it was playoff hockey against the AHL’s best team. Very few prospects, even ultra-talented ones, would have fared well in that environment.