Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is weighing a contract extension for rookie forward Matt Savoie ahead of the 2026‑27 season, a move that could lock in the player before the market shifts.
A Timing Decision for the Oilers
Savoie’s breakout came after January, when his offensive output climbed to 2.23 points per 60 minutes and his penalty‑kill responsibilities expanded to 64 minutes, the most for an Oilers rookie winger since Iiro Pakarinen in 2015‑16. His expected GA‑60 of 8.48 ranked third among regular Oilers penalty‑killing forwards, underscoring his two‑way value.
The recent offer sheet the Philadelphia Flyers signed with the Anaheim Ducks for centre Leo Carlsson has introduced a fresh benchmark for second contracts across the league. The deal, described as record‑breaking, has forced teams to reconsider the financial calculus for emerging talents, including Savoie.
Before the Carlsson agreement, projections had Savoie commanding roughly $4 million over four seasons. The market shift sparked by the Flyers’ move has pushed comparable contracts, such as Mavrik Bourque’s $5.5 million‑per‑year, six‑year deal, into the conversation, suggesting that an early extension could keep Savoie’s salary below the upward trajectory.
Beyond the numbers, the Oilers benefit from Savoie’s chemistry with star centre Connor McDavid, a partnership that produced stronger offensive totals when the two were on the ice together than McDavid’s figures against elite opposition without Savoie. The synergy, combined with the depth of talent around players like Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent‑Hopkins and Zach Hyman, makes the prospect of retaining Savoie an attractive strategic priority.
Looking Ahead
If the Oilers move quickly, they could secure a cost‑effective long‑term agreement this summer, sidestepping the higher raises that may accompany the next contract cycle. The decision will also ripple through the roster, influencing negotiations for other young forwards such as Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, and potentially affecting the team’s cap flexibility in the coming years.