Colin Chaulk reveals what forward position they see Matt Savoie playing.
Colin Chaulk reveals what forward position they see Matt Savoie playing.
EDMONTON -- Matt Savoie is the new kid on the block.
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The newly acquired 20-year-old forward will enter the Edmonton Oilers organization having played both center and winger. Given his smaller frame (5-foot-9), he could see a lot of time as a winger.
A lot of hockey minds believe that a player needs to have a certain amount of size to succeed playing the center position. That's not the case for every smaller center. Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning is one of the best centers in the league and is only 5-foot-10.
The Bakersfield Condors head coach Colin Chaulk made a recent appearance on The Jason Gregor Show. When he was there he revealed what his plan would be for the young forward, if he starts the year in the AHL.
Chaulk is eager to work with Savoie and figure out the best position for him to play, "I'm really excited to get to work with him. I played mainly as the center position...you can relate to a young centerman. Know the things and the habits that a junior player would have and some that you can help as a pro."
"We see him as a center."
Chaulk talked briefly about Noah Philp and the success they had with him being a reason to be optimistic about Savoie, "I thought we had some good success with Noah Philp when he came in. Different scenario but still a right-shot centerman, young pro. (He) had a really good second half."
"Hopefully Matthew challenges for a position with the big club. But if he has to start with us we'll be excited to give him key minutes and also give him some pointers along the way.
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It makes sense to develop a player as a center. That gives the coaching staff more flexibility in a variety of ways. Having multiple natural centers on a single line helps primarily with faceoffs. Especially if they are good in the faceoff circle in different scenarios from each other.
Either way, this is one storyline to watch develop over the course of this season for Oilers fans.
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