As per multiple WHL sources, 2004-born generational talent Matthew Savoie has been denied exceptional status in the Western Hockey League.
I can't say, I am shocked with this outcome. Talent is the not decision factor for the WHL. Its the travel as a 15 year old for long periods of time. What 21 year olds talk about is different than a 15 year olds. WHL( Hockey Canada) also does not want some 230 lb. player crushing him in his 2nd game and giving him a career ending injury.
This is just enhanced on how the lack of depth for the 04 year. Alot of the WHL teams that could select him will take the risk. ( NCAA is where the rumors are looking towards)
It will be interesting to see if he drops( but I doubt it)
Every year or two this topic comes up. Yes he is a good player. But its not a who can get to the top first.
Its how and what you learn getting to the top.
He cant go to the USHL for another 2 years. Sometimes its not where you are , but what you make of it.
Savoie was denied because he wanted to keep his foot in the door of the NCAA. In other words he basically told the league that if he gets drafted by a team he doesn't want to play for he might still go the NCAA route. He's been accelerating his schooling in order to play at the University of Denver, where he was offered a full scholarship, with his brother in his draft year.
TLDR; He was denied because he told the league he didn't want to play for Prince George. The WHL and Hockey Canada aren't going to grant a kid exceptional status only to have him get drafted by Prince George 1st overall and not report.