Former Oilers forward says Raphael Lavoie is ready for the NHL

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Ryan Hall
July 13, 2024 (1:24 PM)

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During a recent episode of the Oilers nation podcast, now former NHL and Oilers forward Brad Malone feels that Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie is ready for the NHL.

Malone, who has been with the Oilers organization since 2017, has played with the NHL club and their AHL affiliate the Bakersfield condors. During his time with the condors, he was the captain of the team and feels that Lavoie has shown great stride in his game along with his physicality and thinks he is ready for a roster spot with the Oilers.

Recently, Lavoie signed a one-year extension with the Oilers which is a two-way deal and worth $775,000 AAV. This deal was an improvement from his last deal as he only made $70,000 in AHL and now we'll make 200,000 if he is sent down.

He played 66 games for the condors this year and had a stat line of 22 goals 28 assists for 50 points. The Oilers continue to seek help and their middle and bottom 6 and with the Oilers in cost-cutting mode, a player like Lavoie would certainly fulfill that need and provide offensive skills that the team lacks.

Lavoie seems ready to be an NHL player on all fronts, but his style of play isn't needed in the Oilers lineup and frankly he's blocked by better players. For these reasons, Lavoie could potentially be a trade chip for the Oilers this year.

It remains to be seen on how his offseason will go but with a contract in place he will certainly be ready for training camp which will begin in September.