The return of Matt Savoie

This past year, Buffalo Sabres prospect Matt Savoie made his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild. The young forward felt deflated when Sabres management decided to send him back to junior hockey after just one appearance. However, he used 2023-24 to sharpen his skills and prove to the Sabres top brass that he has what it takes to make it in the NHL.

While he didn’t do as well as fans hoped in his lone NHL contest, with no goals, assists or points, he did manage to score 2 goals, registered 3 assists and record 5 points in 6 games as an AHLer for the Rochester Americans. He also played in 11 matchups for the WHL Wenatchee Wild, with 11 goals, 13 assists and 24 points.

Savoie suffered through adversity, getting an MCL injury on the eve of the World Junior Championship medal round in Sweden. He thought his season was over, but fortunately, an MRI showed good news.

Despite this bit of luck, the injury hindered his performance and cemented a trade from Wenatchee to Moose Jaw. Undaunted, Savoie racked up 47 points for the Moose Jaw Warriors, enjoying 19 goals and 28 assists in only 23 games.

Matt would have played in more games with Rochester, if not for an NHL-CHL agreement that limits options for athletes under age 20. He wowed Amerks supporters in the small number of AHL contests he played, most notably helping the team trounce the Laval Rocket in a 7-4 victory.

Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has decisions to make this offseason, mulling over who to draft, who to trade, who to sign and who to promote. Matt Savoie’s WHL performance made it clear he at least belongs in the AHL and it’s just a matter of time before Adams and new head coach Lindy Ruff bring him back to Buffalo for a second NHL chance.