Oilers Matt Savoie Decision Includes Slow Playing His Return to the Lineup

Don't be surprised if Matt Savoie practices with the Edmonton Oilers when they return from their six game road trip. At least, that's the hope as the forward is nearing a return from injury that has kept him out of the entire 2026-27 season. 

Savoie didn't start the year with the Oilers, but he's an important part of their makeup. Projected to be a top-six forward, the Oilers are trucking along without him, but they'll be excited to have him back. "I ask that myself every day. So, yeah, I'd like to see him..." said head coach Mike Babcock.

Babcock also indicated that the Oilers won't rush Savoie back. As a younger player, Savoie will need to go to the minors for a few games when he is cleared to return to play.  

"That's a great thing about the head coach: it has nothing to do with when guys return. They tell me."

Savoie was “eight weeks away, the Oilers revealed during an injury update at the start of the season. We’re approximately six weeks into that timeline now, which means that he's right on schedule. 

Babcock has been consistent in his messaging that guys returning from injury aren't 100 percent in their first games back. He said it about Jason Dickinson. He said it about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He was right on both accounts, as each took a game or two before they really go their legs under them. For Savoie, who is essentially coming in on his sophomore season, the plan to ease him in makes sense. 

Give him time in the AHL. Let him get his legs there. Bring him up and put him in positions to succeed. It's hard enough coming back after a breakout season and repeating that performance. When you've missed more than 20 games to start the campaign, throwing that same player into the deep end and expecting them to be operating at the same speed and competitive level as the top guys on the team who have been going at an elite status is asking a lot. 

There is time with Savoie. The Oilers are also sitting in a good spot in the standings, meaning they don't need to push his return just to add a little extra depth. 

Savoie will be back. Just not before the Oilers know he's fully cleared and up to speed. 

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