Matt Savoie elevated to Oilers top line alongside McDavid, Draisaitl as Pickard starts against Canadiens

During a Thursday morning skate ahead of the Montreal Canadiens coming to town, the rookie was elevated to the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The 21-year-old has shown well in his first season in the NHL, and while his one assist in seven games isn’t big numbers by any means, he’s impressed with his play early on this season. Savoie will replace Vasily Podkolzin on the top line, who bumps down to the third line.

“He’s been making a lot of plays, and he’s been making his plays because he’s moving his feet,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “I think he’s very skilled, and can see the ice really well, but as well as you see the ice, if you’re standing still, things will get closed in on you in a hurry.

“Last few games, especially the game in Ottawa, saw him make some plays coming off the wall, moving his feet and opening up the ice. Felt that we wanted to change (the lines) a little bit. It’s nothing against Podkolzin, Podkolzin’s a tremendous player, I think he’ll give us even more playing with Philp and Freddy right now. We just wanted to give Savvy an opportunity here.”

The Oilers second line will feature Ryan Nugent-Hopkins centring Andrew Mangiapane and Jack Roslovic, while the third line sees Podkolzin and Trent Frederic flanking Noah Philp. On the fourth line, it’ll be Adam Henrique between Issac Howard and David Tomasek.

While the blue line will remain the same, Calvin Pickard is set to get the start against Montreal — a curious decision given some strong play early on this season, and considering the fact that the Oilers play back-t0-back’s on Saturday and Sunday, meaning Pickard will start two of the next three games.

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s associate editor, senior columnist, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.ARTICLE PRESENTED BY bet365