Two Former Oiler Prospects Off To Tough Start, With Their Replacements Excelling

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Liam McCormick
November 2, 2024 (7:47 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers let go of two high profile prospects this season in Raphael Lavoie and Xavier Bourgault, but it seems they made the right call.

Bourgault was a former first round draft pick of the Oilers in 2021, and Lavoie was a second round pick from 2019. The Oilers unfortunately lost Lavoie on waivers, but they made a shrewd trade with Bourgault that is looking to shake out really well.

The Oilers dealt Bourgault for Roby Jarventie and a fourth round draft pick, which they later used to acquire Vasili Podkolzin. Bourgault's stock as a prospect had been declining after two years on the Oilers AHL team, and his stock has already fallen further. In 7 games this season, Bourgault has only 2 points, and scouting reports have indicated he's been a non-factor.

Raphael Lavoie hasn't been a positive contributor with Vegas' AHL team either, only noticing two points and a -5 rating in 6 games.

On the other hand, Roby Jarventie's stock is on the rise after a successful debut on the Bakersfield Condors. Jarventie registered two assists and according to Oilers prospect expert Bruce Curlock, was the best forward on the ice for the Condors. Jarventie only played 22 games last season in the AHL due to injury, but he scored an impressive total of 9 goals and 20 points. He's only 22 years old, and a former third round draft pick.

Not only is Jarventie looking better than Bourgault in the AHL right now, but the Oilers using the fourth round pick to acquire Vasili Podkolzin is looking to be a great move for Edmonton right now. Podkolzin hasn't brought any offence yet, but his physical presence, forechecking, and speed is a welcome addition to the Oilers lineup.

Considering the Oilers acquired both Jarventie and Podkolzin from a failing prospect in Bourgault, it's looking like a potential steal for Edmonton very early on. If Jarventie can actually make the NHL as an offensive player and Podkolzin can continue to be a role player, it will be a massively lopsided traded.