The Edmonton Oilers have misplaced ahead Raphael Lavoie to the Vegas Golden Knights after the 24-year-old was claimed off waivers. Regardless of being a promising expertise, Lavoie struggled to safe a everlasting spot on the Oilers’ roster and made his NHL debut final season, taking part in simply seven video games and recording no factors. He averaged 7:17 of ice time per recreation however displayed flashes of potential.
Sadly, an premature damage in preseason this 12 months and a roster stuffed with elite scorers made it onerous for him to crack the lineup. He was positioned on waivers and the Oilers had been hoping he would slide via. He didn’t.
Lavoie has proven effectively within the AHL, but he couldn’t make the soar to a constant NHL function with the Oilers. His placement on waivers was partly a results of Edmonton needing to clear roster house and handle their cap state of affairs. Ryan Rishaug described him as a “top-six AHL participant and bottom-six NHL participant” with measurement, a stable shot, and first rate skating skill. However his recreation by no means totally got here collectively in Edmonton.
Whereas expert, the Oilers wanted extra grit, and Lavoie didn’t actually present that.
The Oilers Have Some Expertise Left, However Are Dropping Key Prospects
This transfer indicators a chance for Lavoie, who may gain advantage from a change of surroundings in Vegas. Oilers followers are dissatisfied, but additionally hopeful he’ll be capable to catch on and get the chance in Vegas he wasn’t essentially afforded in Edmonton.
With different Oilers prospects like Matthew Savoie and Roby Jarventie rising within the group’s depth chart, Lavoie risked being pushed out of a possible function. For Edmonton, shedding Lavoie provides to a pattern of younger gamers departing, following the offseason losses of Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
For the Golden Knights, Lavoie represents a low-risk, high-upside pickup who might thrive of their system if given the proper function.
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