Sam Savoie’s first season in Rockford was a clear adjustment year. After putting up point-per-game numbers in the QMJHL, he finished with just 22 points in 72 AHL games, not eye-popping, but not surprising either given the step up in pace and structure. His offensive role was likely limited, and like a lot of physical junior forwards, the transition exposed some areas that still need work. It was not a statistical leap, but also not a red flag. If he can tighten up his two-way game and bring more consistent impact, Savoie can start carving out a clearer role in the Blackhawks’ system.

Savioe is having a very respectable campaign with the Gatineau Olympiques in the QMJHL. The 19-year-old was just shy of being a point per game player (59 points in 60 games). He still may have another year left in him in the QMJHL before he really gets a solid look at being in the NHL which is perfectly fine. Savioe is doing very well in the minors and the additional ice time will only give him more confidence in his game.

Savoie was drafted 81st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Savoie was a complementary piece on a good Gatineau team this season. He finished 10th in overall team scoring but ranked fifth on the club with 18 goals, playing mostly in a third line role. He began the year playing down the middle but saw more time on the wing as the season progressed.

Savoie is a highly energetic, hardworking forward who rarely stops moving his feet. He is tenacious on the forecheck, hunting pucks and finishing his checks to disrupt plays and cause turnovers by the opposition. His waterbug style of play is only amplified by his strong skating ability. He has great top speed and the agility to quickly change directions to apply more pressure to opposing puck carriers. Savoie has a good stick to win battles along the boards and though his game doesn’t feature much offensive flash, he displays strong puck protection skills at the junior level. He will often control the puck along the wall, waiting for a seam to open before funneling the puck towards the slot. As you would expect, he does a lot of his damage around the net with good body positioning and his willingness to go to the dirty areas. Savoie also shows some strong transitional ability as he uses his speed to create entries but he is more of a straight-line player at this point and doesn’t necessarily offer a dynamic quality off the rush. Despite his lack of offense, there are plenty of tools in Savoie’s game that give him a chance to be a solid checking presence at the NHL level and he should hear his name called in the middle rounds of the 2022 draft.