Photo Credit: Steven Ellis/The Hockey News
With the NHL draft just around the corner. There will be many questions facing this young orange and black team come July. Some questions range from are they going to move back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as a Right-Handed Defenseman? These are some very valid questions that people have.
Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher is on a witch Hunt for top tier talent that will help the Flyers and the immediate future. With that being said, there’s a flashy, lightning rod Center/Winger that might catch the eye of Fletcher in the first round, and that is no other than a play making machine in Matthew Savoie. Savoie stands at 5’9 and weighs 179 pounds, and has all the skills to be a Flyer. He was heavily scouted by the Flyers this past season while playing for the Winnipeg Ice, as the Flyers were watching former prospect Connor McClennon closely.
Savoie was born on January 1, 2004, in St. Albert, AB, CAN. This native of Canada found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age, and as a matter of fact I’m sure he started skating when he was just two-three years old. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Ice in 2021-22, where he torched the league for 35g,55a in 65 games played. At the young age of 18, Savoie was impressive as he managed to showcase his skills for a highly touted organization in the WHL, “I like to spend time with family and friends, but I also like to golf, as well,” Savoie said to our writer Jill Rice.
This 18-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2021-22 season. Savoie is a decent skater that weaves through defenders in the neutral zone and is highly creative that makes up for his lack of those explosive first few steps. He can also forecheck with the best of them, and steal pucks. Moreover, Savoie doesn’t sit around puck watching, and has a killer wrist shot. He’s a good Penalty Killer, and has great vision of the ice, “I watching Taylor Hall, and any music by Drake,” Savoie said laughing.
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This young prospect from Canada really opened some eyes and showcased his skills in the WHL in one of the most important seasons of his life, his draft season. It shows just how good Savoie really can be. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey have led him to the cusp of being drafted into the NHL. Savoie said he is not a superstitious guy, he just loves playing hockey.
The Ice product, Savoie just wants to show people he belongs in the NHL. If one has seen him play these past few seasons, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and his creative speed. He has a lethal wrist shot, to go with his good vision of the ice. He is out to prove his doubters wrong, that size shouldn’t hinder a prospect. Every prospect is different in terms of how they grow, and they grow at different rates.
Hopefully, Savoie continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, and Savoir can pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future, whether he plays on the Wing or at the Center position. I love the way he cuts in between defenders. He is slated to get selected within the top five, however, some mock drafts have him pegged from from picks 5-8.
