Edmonton Oilers top prospect turning heads in camp to push for roster spot
Oilers reporter Eric Friesen stated that Oilers top prospect Raphael Lavoie is making the case to becoming a full time NHL are as he is turning heads in training camp.
Lavoie is bound and determined to be coming a full time Oiler as he has been with the organization since 2019 and drafted 38 overall. During their game against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, he scored a power play goal it was a + 1 to which the Oilers won 3-2 in overtime.
Lavoie spoke to Oilers TV and gave his feelings on where he stands as a player and now he's used his time wisely especially in the American Hockey League.
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«I feel like I'm more of a complete player,» Lavoie told Oilers TV following the win on Sunday. «When I got drafted I was pretty offensive. You learn in the American league to round out your game, play without the puck, be reliable out there, and that's been a point of emphasis since I've been in the American league.»
Lavoie has a golden opportunity to land a spot with the Oilers as Evander Kane is now out for the foreseeable future due to his surgery that was done a few days ago. His size standing at six foot 4 and 215 lbs is the size the Oilers are looking for on their wing and only being 23 years old he has lots of foot speed and physicality.
«I feel it's an earn-it factor,» said Lavoie. «Even if you've played some games [in the NHL], you have to earn it every time you come back to camp, so it's pretty much the same mindset. You just want it even more.»
On top of his size, he scored a career 28 goals as a member of the Bakersfield Condors while becoming a prolific power play score as he put in 14 during last year's campaign.
Lavoie explained that he understands he must show the management and the coaching staff that he belongs in the NHL and that his skill set along with his physicality and size would benefit the team and that he is better off learning in Edmonton rather than in Bakersfield.
«You try to bring [different things to the table],» said Lavoie. «I was trying to be more physical out there on the forecheck. You finish your hits, you're more reliable along the wall, you break pucks out, and when you have the chance to contribute offensively, you do it, as well.»
In the end, the decision will fall on the coaching staff and if he has made a good enough impression, it's likely he will be on a line on opening night of the new season.
Source: Heavy Hockey
Raphael Lavoie ready to make a serious push to crack the Oilers' roster
| POLL | ||
Do you think Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie will make the team this year? | ||
| Yes | 41 | 50.6 % |
| No | 40 | 49.4 % |
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