The Edmonton Oilers, known for their rich talent pool, now confront a challenging situation. With players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins occupying lower lines, there's uncertainty about opportunities for highly skilled prospects in the upcoming season.
One of these prospects is Raphael Lavoie, a towering 6'4" center, drafted by the Oilers in 2019. However, a recent comment from Oilers commentator Bob Stauffer has raised doubts about Lavoie's future.
Lavoie's recent performance suggests he's ready for the NHL. Last season, he played an impressive 61 games in the AHL, scoring 45 points, including 25 goals. Importantly, Lavoie can no longer be sent down to the AHL, and if he's moved there again, he's likely to be claimed by another team.
The Oilers have a valuable asset in Lavoie. He has the potential to make a significant impact in the bottom six lines and contribute offensively to the second powerplay unit for years. However, if the Oilers favor Brandon Sutter or Lane Pederson for the 4C position, they risk losing Lavoie to a team that can utilize his skills effectively. This could mean losing a promising talent without gaining anything in return.
