First period assist on Benson's bank shot:
Shorthanded and stands as the go-ahead goal at 2-1.
Shorthanded and stands as the go-ahead goal at 2-1.
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Prospect Info: C/RW Matthew Savoie, 9th Overall, 2022 NHL Draft - Traded to Moose Jaw 1/4/24
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Savoie has had a phenomenal 2nd half of the season ,
I would still send him back to junior for one more season and let him play in the World Juniors
I would still send him back to junior for one more season and let him play in the World Juniors
That's exactly what's going to happen, barring a downright spectacular camp where he beats someone out for a main roster spot. He's not AHL eligible next season.
Interestingly, Cozens' final year in Lethbridge, he had 39 points in his final 22 regular season games with Lethbridge. It's similar pacing to what Savoie is doing right now and Cozens debuted with Buffalo the next fall.
Savoie may need a great camp to make the team but I wouldn't rule it out as a possible roster addition for next year.
Savoie may need a great camp to make the team but I wouldn't rule it out as a possible roster addition for next year.
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Jim Bob
RIP RJ
What happens with Savoie and Kulich is going to be really interesting.
I am really conflicted because part of me wants to see them on the Sabres next year. And part of me wants the roster to not be the youngest roster in the NHL again next season.
I'm of a mind that Kulich goes through the early part of next season as an Amerk, toddles off to the U20's in Gothenberg, comes back to WNY triumphant after kicking the crap out of his peer group and then is promoted up to the Sabres.
Savoie is different in that he doesn't have the AHL option so I don't think they could have him come in after the U20's. Those are the two that I see that could have a path in next year earlier, though neither of them directly fix what is troubling the roster (forward defensive play, settled offense from below the goal line) but they may be viewed as upgrades on a couple of players currently on the team.
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
The NHL or WHL situation with Savoie definitely makes things more complicated for him.
If I had to bet, I think they return him to the WHL after a 9 game taste of the NHL.
Gabrielor
Registered User
Still think he goes back.
Kulich in for Olofsson in 23-24
Savoie in for Mitts or Peterka in 24-25 (I think the former, but I'll give mitts the benefit of the doubt, and acknowledge peterka has work to do)
Kulich in for Olofsson in 23-24
Savoie in for Mitts or Peterka in 24-25 (I think the former, but I'll give mitts the benefit of the doubt, and acknowledge peterka has work to do)
I don't think that actually moves the needle on making the team any better but that could be how it shakes out.
Gabrielor
Registered User
I don't see the avenue at forward on how they improve externally, but still get savoie and kulich in the top 9.
I think D/G is where they needle move.
I'd say keep him in the whl next year give him 9 and if he is ready still send him down there will be things he could still improve at junior before he fully debuts
WhereAreTheCookies
Registered User
As much as I'd like to see them get a taste in the NHL, I'd prefer to use 24-25 as their first season. Mostly because it allows you to time them reaching RFA for the first time when Skinners contract ends. Not that I think they will be in cap trouble at that time, but more that it gives them additional flexibility to make roster additions without the worry of that last year on Skinners deal becoming an issue.
EichHart
Registered User
He was one of my favorite players in last yrs draft and didn't expect him to fall to us. I'm so excited for him. If he was a few inches taller he goes # 1-2
I started the year very interested in him but others passed him in terms of my interest at about the same rate that the Sabres climbed out of being in the first few spots of the draft. So while I'm happy they drafted him, I was also aware that there were questions about his game he would need to answer - which since about the first of December, he certainly has.
HOOats
born Ruffian
Question: Does his 22GP in 19-20 meet the threshold for a full CHL season? If so, and Savoie had played covid-mangled WHL in 20-21, he'd have four seasons under his belt after this year. I wonder if we'll attempt to appeal for his AHL eligibility, since he's the poster child for the four season caveat to the age 20 rule.
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
Odds are he goes back to WHL next year. BUT, if Adams makes significant roster moves this summer (e.g., moving some forwards to bolster our D) and Savoie has a very good camp, he could make the roster next year. I wouldn't bet on it though. Probably gets 9 games and goes back.
HOOats
born Ruffian
I'd certainly expect them to fight it, but the WHL/Hockey Canada/Canada's handling of the 20-21 season is the only thing that kept Savoie from four seasons and AHL eligibility. If he had played one WHL game in 20-21, would he be good to go? I'd like to see us mount a robust challenge and if we lose hey, we helped chip away at a silly, arcane rule.
I would guess there is not a GP threshold, but rather, it’s based on player card status.
I have no inside information but player card is usually how junior rosters are managed and a GP requirement in the rule would be potentially problematic for players that missed large chunks of seasons as normal, non-affiliate roster players.
Ace
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When he was drafted I remember there being speculation Buffalo could challenge it next year if he didn’t make the team. I haven’t heard anything about it since.
But their middling letting him play so much but not granting him exceptional status is kind of bullshit. You have to come back for what would effectively be a fifth season because you decided not to count the first one…but let him play 22 games anyway? Seems like a thing that could be fought.
HOOats
born Ruffian
Good points both. Maybe a compromise to let Hockey Canada have him for WJC 2024 (if they want him that is) and we can have him the rest of the season.
HOOats
born Ruffian
He is eligible for the World Juniors next season and that’s it , this upcoming world juniors is his last chance at the tournament.
So I’m hoping Buffalo does the right thing and sends him back to Juniors and trades for a major scoring forward with there plethora of draft picks and prospects that’s not named Kulich, Oslund, Rosen etc or our 1st round pick this year and the Flyers 2nd
So I’m hoping Buffalo does the right thing and sends him back to Juniors and trades for a major scoring forward with there plethora of draft picks and prospects that’s not named Kulich, Oslund, Rosen etc or our 1st round pick this year and the Flyers 2nd
HOOats
born Ruffian
Thanks, I didn't think I had that wrong after all. The upcoming WJC is the 2024 edition and he's eligible for it by a day (and misses AHL by that same day).
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