Final Decision Made on Oilers Prospect Raphael Lavoie After Waivers

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Liam McCormick
October 9, 2024 (12:09)

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The Edmonton Oilers got stung by losing a top prospect in Raphael Lavoie on waivers, but got an incredible stroke of luck with the chance to take him back.

Now, according to Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers were able to claim Lavoie back on waivers. He will likely be assigned to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.

Lavoie is a second round draft pick of the Oilers back in 2019, and has nearly fully developed within the Oilers system. Lavoie is described by scouts as a skilled offensive player with a laser shot and a great hockey IQ. The results have followed in the AHL, scoring 53 goals in his last 127 games. Heading into training camp, analysts suggested that the Oilers even consider trading Lavoie due to the risk of losing him on waivers.

Lavoie initially had a great training camp, potentially making a case to break the NHL roster, but suffered an injury in an early preseason game. Still, Oilers analysts suggest trading Lavoie because of the fact he's blocked by too many veteran wingers on the roster. Lavoie is an offensive player that would be wasted in a fourth line role - he needs to play up in the lineup to be effective.

The Oilers are incredibly fortunate to get this talented prospect back, instead of losing him for nothing after fully developing him. Now that he's back with the organization, Lavoie can continue to develop in the AHL to make the Oilers next year, or perhaps be used as trade bait in a deadline deal.

Of course, the Oilers will begin their regular season tonight in the home opener against the Winnipeg Jets. Hockey is officially back, Oilers fans!