Carter Savoie’s Future
2 years ago
Carter Savoie is quickly becoming a fan favourite and he hasn’t put on the copper and blue jersey yet. The excitement builds from him being a local product and his production level in junior and college.
Since the Oilers drafted him 100th overall in 2020, Savoie has 33 goals and 62 points in 58 games for the University of Denver, where he’s established himself as an elite scorer in the NCAA. This season, he was the youngest player to score 20 goals. Matty Beniers, 2nd overall pick in 2021, came the closest, scoring 19 with the University of Michigan.
Savoie was on the Jason Gregor Show today (listen to entire interview here). and talked about having more to his game. His two-way has come a long way since joining the Pioneers as a true freshman last year. A small statistical example of that is his plus-minus. He finished with a 0 +/- in 24 games while scoring 20 points as a freshman. As for today, he’s a +18 on the season with ten extra games played.
Of course, plus-minus can be a flawed stat; however, it can still tell us something.
The most intriguing part of the interview comes when Savoie addresses his status for the next season.
“I am not sure yet,” said Savoie. “I’ve still got to think about a few things and see what’s the best decision for me moving forward. I’ve learned a lot here, and I don’t want to give up on that.”
Interesting.
The Oilers will have a big say in this, but as of right now, there’s not much to suggest that Savoie isn’t ready to make that jump to pro.
He’s become a consistent scoring forward in the NCAA; his two-way has improved under David Carle.
On the flip side, the University of Denver is an elite hockey program in North America. They have done a great job at recruiting high-end talent throughout their history, and that trend will likely continue.
Savoie is going to get maximum ice time whilst being relied upon heavily.
There’s always a little uncertainty in Bakersfield at the moment. Many players are getting called up to the Oilers now, leaving holes in the lineup. Savoie may be thrown into a situation he isn’t fully prepared for.
Dylan Holloway is a good comparison.
Holloway and Savoie have had similar paths; they both excelled in the AJHL and moved onto high-end colleges in the US. Holloway departed from the University of Wisconsin after his sophomore year with 58 games to his name and 33 points. While Savoie smashed his statistical stats out of the way, Holloway had established himself as more of a two-way forward. He also had the first round label attached to him which might have pushed the boat a little further downstream.
It’s looking like the Oilers might want Holloway in the NHL next season too, which leaves another vacancy in Bakersfield.
His teammate, Bobby Brink, stayed another year in Denver and put up career totals with 14 goals and 55 points in 36 games.
Time is on Savoie’s side here. He only turned 20 in January and doesn’t have the expectations of a first round pick. Another year with Denver shouldn’t do him any harm.
The Pioneers have another strong recruiting class coming in headlined by Rieger Lorenz, a potential first round pick in 2022, and Samu Salminen, a 3rd round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2021. The firepower is still around, giving them another chance to push for a National Title which Savoie can lead.
Savoie is a talented enough player, and there’s no doubt that whatever path he chooses will be the right one. He thrived as a 16-year-old in the AJHL with Sherwood Park and did the same as a true freshman in Denver.
Before that decision is made, Savoie and the Pioneers have a tough test against the University of Minnesota-Duluth this weekend.
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