CHL notebook: Blackhawks prospect Savoie rolling with Gatineau

Future NHL stars are developing in the Canadian Hockey League this season. Each week, NHL.com will highlight a few of the top NHL-affiliated prospects in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League.

Samuel Savoie understood training camp with the Chicago Blackhawks this season wasn't his time. But the forward prospect is doing what he can to guarantee his time comes soon.
Savoie, selected in the third round (No. 81) of the 2022 NHL Draft, had 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) during a 12-game point streak from Nov. 4-Dec. 2. He has 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 25 games for Gatineau.
That followed a strong training camp in Chicago that saw the 18-year-old get into three preseason games. He didn't have a point but certainly left an impression. He lasted with the Blackhawks until Oct. 3.
"I was playing some really good hockey and I was doing good, but they also want to develop a hockey player and get me ready to try to make my full potential before going there and playing there," Savoie said. "They gave me a lot of experience so I'm really thankful for that, that I played those [preseason] games and it brings me a lot of confidence and it helps my playing style in junior.
"They're obviously rebuilding, they're not the best team, but they're competing and they're battling and there's a lot of guys that want to do good and want to play in the NHL for years. So it's their time to step up and shine now and then we're all going to have our time after."

Savoie said he did a lot of watching during training camp, especially forward Max Domi. Each is a left-handed left wing, and at 5-foot-10, 189 pounds, Savoie is built similar to Domi (5-10, 194). They each also like to play a gritty, hard-charging offensive style.
"He's not a big guy, my size, and he's a thick guy," Savoie said of Domi. "He carries himself on and off the ice extremely professional. Just the way that he stretches, the way that he trains, he's just a pro everywhere. I think he was someone that I really watched and listened to his tips."
So far, Savoie has been putting all those things he learned to good use. That includes being even more assertive in the offensive zone. He's already nearly matched the 33 points (18 goals, 15 assists) he had in 64 games last season.
"I think the one thing they really liked about me is my compete level with the way I act on the ice, the way I always play with an effort, always play with energy, always a little competitor and playing with an edge," Savoie said. "It's always compete, work hard and act like a professional. They also wanted me to improve my little skills, my shot, and have more offense to my game."

Savoie said he's been getting positive feedback from the Blackhawks, especially development coaches Erik Condra and Kendall Coyne Schofield.
"They're giving me tips and making videos and they really improved my offensive game and the way that I carry myself on the ice in the offensive zone and my skating," he said. "It's great that they're there for me and they're proud to see really the way that it's working. We're trying to improve, and it's really been good stuff."
OTHERS TO WATCH
Francesco Arcuri, LW, Kingston (Dallas Stars): Arcuri leads the OHL with 22 goals in 25 games, including a recent stretch of four straight two-goal games that was part of a five-game point streak that saw the 19-year-old total 12 points (nine goals, three assists). Selected by the Stars in the sixth round (No. 175) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Arcuri has 31 points and is tied for the OHL lead with nine power-play goals.
Jordan Dumais, RW, Halifax (Columbus Blue Jackets): Dumais has continued scoring at a blistering pace, with 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in his past 13 games. The 18-year-old is second among CHL players with 54 points (19 goals, 35 assists) in 25 games, leads the QMJHL in assists and points and is tied for third in goals. The Blue Jackets selected Dumais in the third round (No. 96) of the 2022 draft, and signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract Nov. 25.
Stanislav Svozil, D, Regina (Columbus Blue Jackets): Svozil has 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) during a seven-game point streak, including the game-winning goal and a season-high four points (one goal, three assists) in a 9-5 win against Victoria on Nov. 26, followed by a four-assist game in a 6-5 overtime win against Kelowna three days later. The 19-year-old has 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) in 24 games, tied for first among WHL defensemen. The Blue Jackets selected Svozil in the third round (No. 69) of the 2021 draft.
Photos: Dominic Charette