Raphael Lavoie’s first stint in the NHL is over after being loaned back to the Condors, but how did he fare during his five games with the Oilers?
Raphael Lavoie is headed back to Bakersfield. As confirmed by the Oilers, he has been loaned to the Condors.
When Lavoie was recalled by the Oilers just under two weeks ago, he more than deserved his opportunity. He’d had an excellent start to his season with the Condors, including being named AHL Player of the Week just before his call-up.
Understandably, hopes were high for the 23-year-old, who impressed during training camp and the preseason, resulting in being one of the final roster cuts. The question is, how is it best to view his first taste of real NHL action?
As the saying goes, perception is reality, but in truth there are several factors to consider when assessing Lavoie’s first five games with the Oilers. On a very basic level, he had no points and a -1 plus/minus rating.
The 2019 38th overall draft pick averaged 7:56 minutes of ice time, with a high of 9:46 in the 6-2 loss to the Canucks. This is unsurprising, given he was playing on the fourth line.
In this respect, the majority of Lavoie’s action came alongside Derek Ryan and James Hamblin. No disrespect to two solid players, but he was always unlikely to get many chances.
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This was highlighted by just three total shots on goals in the Chambly, Quebec native’s five appearances. Of note, two came in the aforementioned game versus the Canucks when he had his most ice time.
Lavoie is known for being physical and getting down and dirty, best exemplified by seven hits and a block during his five games. The seven hits are particularly encouraging.
Another factor to consider in all of this, is the Oilers doing their best to make the forward’s transition to the NHL level as seamless as feasible. As per Josh Cybuski of Pro Hockey Rumors this included protecting him, with 65 percent of his zone starts in the offensive zone.
Overall, while Lavoie did not have any standout moments, he also didn’t look out of his depth either. Again depending on your perspective, we would term his first stint in the NHL as a success with cautious reason for optimism.
Along these lines, the right-hand shot should get another opportunity with the Oilers at some point this season. In the meantime he will attempt to get the Condors’ season back on track, with them currently in free fall and not helped by the poor play of Jack Campbell.
N.B. – Lavoie did not need to go through waivers before returning to Bakersfield. He cleared waivers prior to the regular season, while also not playing 10 games or spending 30 days on the Oilers roster.