A tactical cap move sends Matt Savoie to the AHL, but his solid play means a swift return to the Oilers roster is expected.
The Edmonton Oilers have demoted forward Matt Savoie to the AHL, the team announced on Tuesday. Calling the loan, Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer noted that this move was made exclusively for salary-cap purposes.
Matt Savoie will play at least one game for the Condors in the American Hockey League and then make his way back up to the main roster. This is not about his play, or any desire to send him a lesson. Stauffer notes, "He has had a solid season to date for the Edmonton Oilers."
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal posted: "Oilers have $2.8m in cap space, and when Henrique and his $3m come off LTIR Feb 22, they will need some fiscal maneuvering. They should be recalling Samanski off his Olympic showing. They can waive Mangiapane. And Janmark. Love his defensive work and coach values him but no offence."
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Savoie has been a solid player for the Oilers this season, spending time in both the bottom six and top six. He's a fast, trustworthy two-way player who can kill penalties and score. A bit inconsistent, this is still his first full season in the NHL, and he's shown glimpses of being a very solid NHLer.
And for fans wondering why he wouldn't get the same break as other Oilers during the Olympics, it should be noted that the team was back on the ice at practice today. Regular rosters are back skating and only those players involved in the Olympic games remain away from their respective teams.
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