One of the Oilers' top prospects is facing terrible news following a quote from an Oilers commentator.
Terrible Update For An Oilers Prospect
The Edmonton Oilers have one of the deepest teams in NHL history top to bottom. With players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins spending time on the third line, it is clear that some phenomenal players will not get their fair opportunity next year.
One of these players seems to be Raphael Lavoie. Lavoie is a massive 6'4" center who was originally picked by the Oilers in the 2nd round of the 2019 draft.
«[To me] It's gonna come down to Sutter or Pederson as to who's going to be the 4C» @Bob_Stauffer
Where does that leave Raphael Lavoie?
Will Lavoie Get A Fair Shot?
Thus far, it seems like Lavoie is ready for the NHL jump. In 61 games in the AHL last year, Lavoie scored 45 points, 25 of which were goals. He is no longer eligible to be sent down to the AHL directly so if he were to be sent down yet again, he would likely be claimed.
The Oilers have a great future piece in Lavoie. He is somebody who can really make a mark in the bottom six and chip in offensively on a 2nd powerplay unit for years to come. If the Oilers do decide to side with Brandon Sutter or Lane Pederson, we are likely watching them lose Lavoie for nothing to a team that will utilize him correctly.