Oilers Reporter Reveals Brutal News For A Top Prospect
It seems that Ken Holland and the Oilers were expecting prospect Raphael Lavoie to make the team out of camp. However, injuries have thrown a wrench in that plan as the Oilers are right up against the cap.
Cap and Injuries Force Oilers To Experiment With Roster
Right now the Oilers are doing something that has become more common in the NHL, carrying 11 forwards and 8 defensemen instead of the traditional 12 forwards and 7 defensemen. Prospect forward Raphael Lavoie is not one of the 11 forwards on the roster. The 23-year-old was placed on waivers yesterday and much to the Oiler's relief, he cleared waivers today allowing him to continue playing for the Oilers organization with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.
Lavoie is coming off a season in which he scored 25 goals and 45 points in 61 games with the Condors. The 6'4" forward was especially impressive in the second half of the year although he scored just one goal in two playoff games.
Holland confirmed that Lavoie would be unlikely to play many games in the NHL this season, but recognized that he could earn a call-up. He emphasized the fact that the team needs players who they can rely on to play every day since they can't even afford to play a regular roster due to their cap situation.
"When we're only carrying 12 forwards, we've got to carry forwards that are going to be in the lineup every night. They can't go through growing pains."
-Ken HollandAs it stands, Lavoie will likely have to wait for his chance to play in the NHL. Until the Oiler's cap situation improves it will be tough for any prospect to earn a call-up despite being on entry-level contracts.
| POLL | ||
9 OCTOBRE | 65 ANSWERS Oilers Reporter Reveals Brutal News For A Top Prospect Will Lavoie play any NHL games this year? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 52.3 % |
| No | 31 | 47.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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