Edmonton Oilers rookie Matt Savoie, 22, has secured a permanent spot on the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman following a strong second-half performance.
The St. Albert native recorded nine points in his last 11 games, bringing his season total to 11 goals and 28 points. Savoie scored the game-winner against Nashville and assisted Hyman's clincher versus San Jose.
McDavid praised Savoie's relentless energy: "Super, super skilled. He keeps pucks alive and gets in on the forecheck." Hyman added: "He skates as well as anyone and will play top six for a long time."
Savoie credits the Olympic break for his improved consistency: "The game has slowed down. I'm more comfortable with the puck." Veteran Ryan Nugent-Hopkins confirmed Savoie's well-rounded development: "He thinks the game well. You can trust him in hard areas."