It's bon voyage to Hockeytown for Red Savage.
The Detroit Red Wings officially relinquished the rights to their 2021 fourth-round draft selection last week, permitting the Michigan State captain to explore free agency. Wasting no time, Savage has since secured a two-year contract with the Rochester Americans, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres.
Savage, a center selected 114th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, was never considered a top-tier prospect; however, scouts consistently praised his two-way play and leadership throughout his collegiate career.
Despite these commendations, the Red Wings opted not to extend him an entry-level contract. While some view the decision as surprising in light of his intangibles, those well-versed in the game are unlikely to be caught off guard.
Red Savage doesn't fit with the Red Wings right now
To be clear, Savage is by no means a poor player; he simply hasn’t reached the developmental threshold required to align with Detroit’s long-term vision. That may sound like a diplomatic way of putting it, but there's a rationale worth unpacking.
The Red Wings currently boast one of the deepest and most competitive farm systems in the NHL. In such an environment, organizational decision-makers are not merely seeking potential—they expect consistent production at every level.
And in this context, “production” often implies near point-per-game performance, coupled with strong, demonstrable leadership qualities. Savage’s leadership credentials are undeniable, his offensive production has always been just a hair short.
His most prolific season came in 2020–21 with the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he posted 42 points in 46 games. He also delivered a solid showing at the 2022 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, registering six points in seven games.
Nonetheless, even at lower levels of competition, Savage often fell just short of the standard. And in the NHL, being "close" is not good enough. It's savage, but it's also the reality.
Savage’s move to Rochester may prove to be a well-timed opportunity, affording him the space to develop at a more measured and sustainable pace. The Sabres, still in the midst of a rebuild, are likely to exercise greater patience with their emerging talent—at least, that would be the expectation for a team in transition.
Perhaps, in time, Savage will elevate his game to the point where he can exact a measure of poetic justice against the very organization that let him walk. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility—but ultimately, it will be up to Savage to silence his critics and validate his potential.
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