Edmonton Oilers select Carter Savoie with the 100th overall pick

Savoie reads defenders like few other players in the draft. He is acutely aware of opposing sticks and actively baits them. Savoie is deceptive; he looks off his targeted play and keeps the same grip on his stick, whether he’s passing, dangling, or shooting. Savoie fires with power, precision, and with some trickery; using screens to his advantage.

Some question his commitment off the puck, his shift-to-shift effort levels and his defensive game. I don’t disagree. Savoie can fade in games in a big way. He plays too high in his own zone.

50 goals in 50 games. That is the kind of production Carter Savoie has been putting up in the AJHL. He has been abusing the Junior A league with his combination of speed and strength. The University of Denver commit has a dangerous shot that he uses off the rush quite often. He does a good job of finding space around the net and beating goalies with regularity. His playmaking isn’t outstanding but he shows the ability to make passes all over the offensive zone. He will likely be a bit of a long-term prospect, likely needing a couple of season in the NCAA before being ready to take the step to the pro ranks. He is widely regarded as a late first or early second-round selection for the upcoming draft in June.

Puck skills and creativity are big hallmarks of Savoie’s game. He averaged nearly a goal per game in the AJHL and can make next-level offensive reads. But if Savoie is going to make it, he has to up his competitiveness level.