Raphael Lavoie Claimed by Vegas Golden Knights from Edmonton Oilers

The NHL saw another shift in team rosters early this week, as the Vegas Golden Knights claimed Raphael Lavoie off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. Lavoie, who was drafted as a second-round pick during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Oilers, was seen as a promising talent in need of a fresh start by many observers.

According to a report by Frank Seravalli, a sportswriter known for his coverage of the NHL, the move to place Lavoie on waivers was driven by Edmonton’s desire to gain additional salary cap space. Despite the Oilers having a spot on their roster, they opted to waive Lavoie, weighed with the possible benefits of accruing cap space for future strategic moves.

Lavoie, a 6’4, 215-pound winger, had spent four of his five developmental years within the Oilers’ system. During his time in the AHL, he demonstrated notable scoring abilities, including back-to-back seasons exceeding 25 goals. His talent was further highlighted during the recent preseason where he scored two goals in three games, securing a game winner against Seattle.

His limited experience in the NHL saw him play 7 games with the Oilers, logging 51 minutes on the ice without registering any points. However, his transition to the divisional rival, the Vegas Golden Knights, came with a one-year, NHL-minimum contract, offering Vegas a player with potential without any trade or compensatory exchange.

The transaction has notably struck a chord with Edmonton fans, reviving memories of past instances where players like Curtis Glencross, Kyle Brodziak, and Andrew Cogliano left the Oilers to join rival teams without yielding any return. The sentiment reflects frustration over the recurring loss of talent to competition within the division.