Local Kid Makes Good enters the countdown with Carter Savoie at #10.

If the last prospect, Luca Munzenberger, was the most difficult to assess, Carter Savoie is a close second. He’s also the one that is likely to get my passport to Edmonton revoked given his ranking this year. However, a modest peek at Savoie’s first professional season does lend some evidence to the rating.

His first year in Bakersfield did not leap off the page with only a modest stat line of 8-3-11 in 44 games. No question injuries were a major part of his season missing time twice during the year with a lower body injury (the first occurring in Penticton) and once with an undisclosed injury. However, even had he played a more full season, his prorated stats line would have left him fourth in rookie scoring behind Noah Philp, Xavier Bourgault and Tyler Tullio. While finishing behind Bourgault would be expected, I doubt many thought Savoie would trail Philp and Tullio. However, he did and, as such, he drops this year to #10 in the countdown.

Now before I get barred from entry to Edmonton, let me just say I like the potential of this player. As I have said throughout this series, I look for one NHL translatable skill in a prospect. For Carter Savoie it is his shot. It is surreal.

He did manage to surround that with some very nice puck skill displays. He has legitimately excellent hands and is a quick decision-maker in close quarters with the puck. Here is a couple of clips that illustrate these skills. The second one has stupid Lucas Dostal in it. I say that in jest. Sorta. You’ll see.

However, for the most part, the year was far less of the above and far more of this type of play.

Here is a shift that highlights the challenges that Savoie needs to overcome. Watch the “loops” in Savoie’s skating. The single biggest area where Savoie could impact his game is start/stop skating. Instead of looping and ending up out of position and with his back to the play, if Savoie focused on start/stop skating, he would be far more attached to the play and therefore more able to impact what happens with the puck.

If you think it isn’t a big deal, watch how good Savoie is with his stick when he is up on the puck carrier or a loose puck.

Carter Savoie has the capability to change the possession of the puck if, and only if, he gets more stop/start in his game. When he does, his game is going to be much more effective.

The other aspect I want to mention is the comments on Savoie’s size. Certainly, he’s not tall, but he is built sturdy and he can use that to his benefit in the pros.

So, yes, Carter Savoie had a tough year. Yes, he dropped in the rankings from last year to this year. However, that doesn’t mean anything in terms of his long-term prognosis. Prospects do not develop in straight lines. Savoie definitely took a swerve this year. However, if his game develops more straight-line attack to it, his prospect will go in one direction: up.