Buffalo Sabres Reassign Matthew Savoie To Wenatchee Wild

After making his NHL debut, the 2022 first-rounder is headed back to the WHL.

The Buffalo Sabres have reassigned Matthew Savoie to the Wenatchee Wild. Drafted ninth overall back in 2022, he returns after having made his NHL debut on Friday night versus the Minnesota Wild. Prior to being sent down, he also saw some time with the Rochester Americans in the AHL, playing in six games and recording five points. 

Savoie's return to the WHL is notable as the Wild are one of the hottest teams across the WHL. They are 8-1 in their last nine games and are one of four teams to have already surpassed the 70-goal mark on the season. The move should not just make Weanatchee more dangerous but also make them early-season favourites alongside the Portland Winterhawks to book a spot in the WHL's West Final. 

Through his 149-game career with the ICE/Wild organization, Savoie sits in the top 25 in goals, assists and points with the franchise. His next game will be his 150th, and he is just eight points away from 200. If he can continue his 1.29 career points pace, he should not just smash the 200 mark but could become just the seventh player to surpass 250 points in franchise history. 

The move back to the WHL is also a great sign for Hockey Canada, as it means he will be available for selection ahead of the 2024 World Junior Championship. While he hasn't played for his home country since participating in the U-17s back in 2019, he should be a leading candidate to make the U20 team next month. 

Based on the Wild's schedule, he could make his Wenatchee debut in front of the home fans on Wednesday versus the Tri-City Americans. In Savoie's only meeting with the Americans last season, he recorded an assist, had five shots and went 11 for 13 in the faceoff dot during the 5-4 victory. A dynamic, offensive talent, it shouldn't take long for him to find the scoresheet in his return to the WHL.