Just one day after the Vegas Golden Knights claimed Raphael Lavoie off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers, they’ve surprisingly put the 24-year-old forward back on waivers. This unexpected move opens the door for the Oilers to reclaim Lavoie, raising the question of whether they might consider bringing him back into the fold.
Lavoie, who scored 28 goals and added 22 assists in 66 AHL games last season, was considered a potential breakout candidate, but he struggled to secure a spot on Edmonton’s NHL roster due to the team’s depth at forward. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and other established players cemented in the lineup, there simply wasn’t room for Lavoie to showcase his offensive skills at the NHL level.
When Vegas claimed him, it looked like Lavoie might have a fresh opportunity to break into an NHL roster that could use his scoring touch. However, just a day later, it’s clear that even the Golden Knights don’t see an immediate fit for Lavoie, as they’ve decided to test his value on waivers once again.
This move presents a unique opportunity for the Oilers. If they choose to put in a claim, they could effectively reverse the transaction that sent Lavoie to Vegas. With Lavoie back in Edmonton, the Oilers would have a chance to reassess his development and determine whether he might be a better fit down the road, especially if injuries or roster adjustments create an opening for him.
The question now is whether the Oilers view Lavoie as a long-term asset worth reclaiming or if they believe his time in Edmonton has passed. If they let him clear waivers without a claim, it would signal that the organization has moved on from the young forward, but if they do bring him back, it could provide a second chance for Lavoie to make his mark.
In the coming day, all eyes will be on the Oilers to see if they make a move to reclaim the promising forward or if another team takes a shot at giving him a fresh start. For now, Lavoie remains in limbo, but his story with the Oilers may not be over just yet.