Buffalo Sabres Recall Top Prospect

Still just 19 years old, but already with an eight-game taste of pro hockey in the American Hockey League, No. 9 overall pick from the 2022 Draft Matt Savoie has been officially recalled by the Buffalo Sabres to start his big league career. 

"It's pretty special."

Matt Savoie joined the team for practice today after being called up from @AmerksHockey.#LetsGoBuffalo | @1LECOM pic.twitter.com/bThiFxzb9P

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 6, 2023

"It's exciting," Savoie said after practice on Monday. "It's been a dream of mine to play in the NHL since as long as I can remember... It's pretty special."

Head coach Don Granato added, "I think he has a comfort level around here that will help accelerate (his acclimation) process... He's been around how we operate, so I do think he feels like he's integrated already." 

Although he was still eligible to be returned to junior hockey, Savoie just finished a six-game conditioning stint in the AHL after an upper-body injury earlier in camp. He proved his ability to compete at that level beyond a doubt, recording five points. He also played in two Calder Cup playoff games with the Rochester Americans last spring. 

His coach with the Amerks, Seth Appert, said Savoie is going to fare just fine in Buffalo. "He’s gonna play the right way, he’s gonna play fast, he’s gonna be competitive, he’s gonna hunt pucks and try to be an honest, winning hockey player. He just drips of a hockey player, he really does."

Photo: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports