Two future NHLers dominate Tier IV of the Sabres Top 24 and under player and prospect rankings

15: Matt Savoie, F/Moose Jaw

Some might believe Matt Savoie is ranked too low here, but his lack of sample size at the pro level takes him down to 16th. Yet if he sticks around in the system, or if he earns a spot with the big club out of camp this season, he won’t be ranked so low when we revisit these rankings late in the summer or early fall. 

At 5’10, 180 lbs, Savoie has packed on more size, so that alone provides a boost. And his showing in Rochester last fall was promising. Even more promising has been his performance with the Moose Jaw Warriors, where he scored nearly one goal per game 19 in 23 contests - and erupted for 47 points. With a strong playoff showing to rival what he did last season with the Winnipeg Ice, Savoie will build momentum heading into the summer. 

But with less experience at the professional level than those listed above him, will Savoie fall victim to the numbers game and fail to make the Sabres lineup? Sure, he could spend more time honing his game in Rochester, but at which point, you have to be honest and ask whether he provides more value to eventually land with the big club or in a big trade package. 

There is no shortage of talent regarding Savoie, and although he can still stand to add another 10 lbs of muscle, someone will want him in their system if there’s no room in Buffalo.