Seattle Kraken Draft Profile: Matthew Savoie
Even Strength
One of the biggest criticisms of Savoie’s game early in the 2021-22 season was his 5v5 play. Most of his points came on the man advantage. There is nothing wrong with being a strong player on special teams, but when a player scores more on the power-play than at 5v5, there has to be a disconnect somewhere.
Power play success in the NHL has been on the rise over the last few years despite teams seeing less time with the man advantage. Special teams are important, but most of the game happens 5v5. A player’s success at even strength is often more repeatable than they are with the man advantage.
Savoie turned it around and showed significant improvement throughout the rest of the season. By season’s end, only 12 of his 35 goals came on the power-play. Savoie must improve his play at 5v5 to reach his full potential.
Defense
Another area that needs to see more improvement is in his defensive game. While Savoie isn’t bad defensively, he has room for improvement. Defense is where his size might be more of a detriment to him. He struggles to gain control over bigger, stronger, or more physical players. Consequently, it sometimes leads to his hesitation to commit.
Too much of a good thing
The final critique about his game is simply that he is a passer. Like many creative playmakers, Savoie sometimes opts for the pass when he should shoot. His 35 goals in 65 games are nothing to scoff at. Then again, if he was willing to take a few more risks and shoot more often, he could score more often. Defenders would have to honor that. In turn, creating better opportunities for the team.
These issues aren’t detrimental to his game. He will improve with time and experience. With more developmental time in juniors or minor leagues and the right coaching, Savoie is well on his way to reaching his full potential as a Top 6 player in the NHL.