Buffalo Sabre prospect Matthew Savoie has taken inspiration from this 12-year NHL veteran of the Edmonton Oilers.
Many prospects took part in the 2023 NHLPA Rookie Showcase last week in Arlington, Virginia. Many notable names were in attendance such as Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, Logan Cooley of the Arizona Coyotes, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Xavier Bourgault of the Edmonton Oilers.
The only prospect representing the Buffalo Sabres was Matthew Savoie. The name should look familiar to hockey fans who follow the Oilers - Matthew is Carter Savoie's brother. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Carter just signed his entry level contract in May 2022. Last year he was able to play 44 games for the Bakersfield Condors, collecting 11 points in the process.
Matthew Savoie, Buffalo Sabres prospect.While Matthew was at the Rookie Showcase he told ESPN about which NHLer has inspired him in his career. "I actually skated with (Ryan) Nugent-Hopkins this summer. Kind of a smaller guy from the West who really improved his game."
"When you see him in summer skates...he's finishing everything. He's making good passes. He knows where everyone is on the ice. Just to see that firsthand and kind of take things from his game was huge."
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.Many young players draw inspiration from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Nugent-Hopkins is an incredibly talented hockey player who has developed a complete game and is one of the Oilers most versatile players. It's no wonder that we are starting to hear of his impact on the next generation of hockey players.
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