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Matthew Savoie

Joshua Rosa


Skating:

While not an out-and-out speedster, Savoie is a fast skater who regularly uses his breakaway speed to create distance between himself and defenders, and take advantage of fast breaks.


Passing/Handling:

Offensive skills are Matt Savoie’s bread and butter. His skills really shine on the powerplay with plenty of time and space. He has a killer combination of skill and IQ/creativity, that it can be difficult to tell what he’s going to do next. He can beat defenders with slick stickhandling, or can make small adjustments to get the perfect shot or pass off around defenders.


Shooting:

There was one goal where I had to rewind a couple of times to see where and how exactly the shot went in. Savoie can get a heavy, accurate shot off really quickly. Its definitely second to his stickhandling, but is a big enough threat to keep defenders and goalies true on the shot.


IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Savoie has a brain for offense and excels in all facets. He seems to live for the puck on his stick, and pretty much always makes a good decision with the puck. Sometimes he can force passes, but generally he has the skill to pull off some beautiful and surprising passes and plays. He is especially dangerous on the fast break, whether that's alone and depending on his handles and shot, or with a teammate, giving him even more options.


Forechecking:

While not a standout forechecker, Savoie can use his speed and low centre of gravity to be a quite annoying presence to opposing defenders.


Defense:

Savoie did get penalty kill time this year, and didn’t look out of place. He has an active stick in the defensive zone, but sometimes his lack of size (5’10” 179 lbs) got him into trouble.


Best Asset:

Savoie’s offensive IQ and skill in pretty much all facets of the offensive game are top tier.


Biggest Concern:

Size and defense. Savoie will never be a Selkie nominee, and big defenders might cause some trouble when there is less time to work.


Top Tier/Role Potential:

Tier 1 - PPG+ player, elite offensive talent.


Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Savoie has all the potential skills to be an elite, first line player if everything falls well. He can skate, he can score, he can pass, he isn't a liability in his own zone.


50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 2 - 70-80 point scorer with below average (-1 to 0 SD) BASH or 60-70 point scorer with above average/elite (0-1 above SD) BASH


Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Savoie will at least be a powerplay specialist and middle six forward. The biggest problem fantasy-wise is that if Savoie isn’t producing points, he likely won’t be producing much else.


Stylistic Comparable:

At his best, Savoie can become a Brayden Point type player. A great, versatile forward that constantly threatens 100 points.


Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

It would be shocking if Matthew Savoie isn't a full time NHL player soon, and not having a positive offensive impact. Especially if he is paired with another great young offensive talent who tilts the ice and drives play like no one else *ahem* Zach Benson *ahem*. The future is bright in Buffalo, and Savoie is a big part of that.


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