Edmonton Oilers sign top minor league scorer to one year contract
Moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they've signed prospect Raphael Lavoie to a one year, two way contract for $775K.
Lavoie was a second round draft pick of the Oilers in 2019, and has only cracked the NHL roster for 7 games so far in his career. With the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL, Lavoie showed plenty of offensive talent by leading the team with 28 goals, and scoring 50 points in 66 games.
Despite showing this offensive talent at the minor league level, Lavoie's play didn't seem to translate in his short NHL stint. Being signed to a league minimum depth contract this year, it's possible he gets another look in the NHL - but there just doesn't seem to be a path forward for him to make the Oilers roster with their surplus of forwards.
Lavoie could be used as a solid trade chip for the Oilers now if they do decide to pursue an upgrade on defence. Still just 23 years old, Lavoie's got runway to become a real NHL player, but likely not with the Oilers.
The team is reportedly looking to make an upgrade on defence, and that would be a perfect opportunity to float Lavoie in a trade. Along with Brett Kulak or Cody Ceci, and potentially another asset, the Oilers could potentially acquire a true top four defenceman to play with Darnell Nurse.
Source: Edmonton Oilers
| POLL | ||
Do you think Lavoie will play for the Oilers next year? | ||
| Yes | 157 | 49.8 % |
| No | 145 | 46 % |
| See Results | 13 | 4.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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