NHL insider Jason Gregor reveals return timelines for 2 injured Oilers players
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Jason Gregor updates on Savoie's return timeline, while Frederik Andersen faces a longer recovery before rejoining the Oilers.
Edmonton Oilers fans finally got some clarity this week on two significant injury situations weighing on the roster, courtesy of longtime insider Jason Gregor.
Between a promising young forward and a veteran goaltender, the updates offer a mixed bag of relief and reality heading into training camp.
Gregor shared an encouraging update on rookie forward Matthew Savoie, who is dealing with an injury that will keep him out of training camp and the preseason.
According to Gregor, a return in late October looks realistic, though he noted that missing camp is never ideal for a young player trying to find his footing.
Jumping straight into the regular season without those reps means Savoie will effectively be trying to catch a moving train once he is cleared.
"He isn't expected to miss too much time. I was told a return in late October seemed likely, but missing training camp and the preseason is never great for a player, as it forces them to try and jump onto a moving train (the regular season) when they return."
- Jason Gregor
- Jason Gregor
Andersen's recovery timeline remains murky
Goaltender Frederik Andersen is also nursing an injury, and Gregor was blunt about what Oilers fans should expect from the veteran this season.
At 36 years old, Andersen playing somewhere in the range of 25 to 30 games is likely his realistic ceiling, injury or not.
Gregor did not seem overly concerned about the setback itself, framing it as part of the natural wear that comes with an aging goaltender's workload.
Andersen's health has been a lingering question in Edmonton since he arrived, and this latest setback only reinforces the cautious approach the coaching staff is expected to take with him all year.
Opportunity knocks for Edmonton's depth
While the Savoie injury is a tough break for a player expected to push for a bigger role, Gregor pointed out that it will not be a long-term absence.
It does, however, open the door for someone else in Edmonton's lineup to step up early in the season and claim more minutes.
That kind of opportunity is exactly what makes NHL training camps interesting, as depth players get a real chance to make an impression before the games start counting.
With camp approaching and the regular season on the horizon, the Oilers will need contributions from up and down the roster while Savoie and Andersen work their way back to full health.
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