Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Matt Savoie isn’t fully healed from his shoulder injury suffered two-and-a-half weeks ago, but he was ready to join his teammates for Friday’s morning skate.
The Buffalo Sabres' 2022 first-round pick was injured in the final game of the Sabres Prospects Challenge when he went hard into the end boards early in the first period of a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He says it was nice to be out there with the boys again.
"It’s been tough not being on the ice with them every day," said Savoie following Friday's skate. "Just watching from afar, it’s been a bit of a grind, but it felt good to be out there again today."
It’s always hard on players to be out injured, but this one was worse, because Savoie was going to get an opportunity to play on a line with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner during training camp.
"It was definitely pretty devastating to not even get a chance to play in any preseason games, or to get to show myself in games before the season. But I thought I came into camp in pretty good shape, and I felt like I got real strong and a lot faster," Savoie said. "It was tough not to be able to showcase that."
Savoie says it was the best-case scenario, because there was no structural damage to his shoulder. He says he’s been progressing every day, and added he didn’t do too much contact during the skate, because they don’t want him to risk re-injuring the shoulder.
The 19-year-old hasn’t been on the ice, but he’s been in the room and around the players. He says learning doesn’t stop, just because you’re injured.
"I try to learn every day by talking to guys, asking questions," Savoie said. "I’ve hung out with a couple of guys away from the rink, and they’ve all been really great to me. It was pretty easy to get acclimated."
Most of you probably know that 2023 first-round pick Zach Benson played on the same line as Savoie last season with the Winnipeg Ice in the Western Hockey League. In five preseason games, Benson has three goals and two assists for five points.
The 18-year-old will almost assuredly make the team to start the season. Savoie has loved seeing what his good friend has been able to accomplish.
"It’s been awesome just watching from afar," he said of Benson. "He’s been playing real good, but I knew he was a great player coming into camp. The confidence he possesses and the way he can drive a line, and be such a good complimentary player."
Savoie isn’t the least bit surprised that none of this has been too big for Benson, because he has immense confidence.
The former ninth overall pick of the Sabres in 2022 is already wrapping himself into the Buffalo sports culture, as he’s been to two Buffalo Bills games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins.
The Sabres haven’t said anything yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Savoie started the season Monday on injured reserve. That's when the Sabres have to trim their roster down to the max number of 23 players.
Buffalo will ice a lineup on Friday you’ll likely see come opening night. However, Tyson Jost will play in the likely place for captain Kyle Okposo for the preseason finale.
The Penguins will counter with Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson and Evgeni Malkin on Friday.
Faceoff on Friday is set for 7 p.m. ET with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call on WGR.
