In a surprising turn of events, the Edmonton Oilers have successfully re-acquired forward Raphael Lavoie off waivers, as reported by Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet. Just two days prior, Lavoie had been claimed by the Golden Knights, but the Oilers swiftly maneuvered to bring him back, highlighting their commitment to developing this promising talent.

Should Edmonton have been the sole team to submit a claim, they can now seamlessly assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Even if multiple teams were interested, the Oilers have the flexibility to keep him on their active roster due to their current cap situation. With two open roster spots and approximately $1.06 million in cap space—thanks in part to Evander Kane being placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR)—Edmonton can comfortably accommodate Lavoie’s league-minimum salary.

This move is fantastic news for the Oilers, as they were reluctant to part ways with Lavoie originally. He fell victim to roster constraints but had a solid performance last season, racking up 50 points in 66 games for Bakersfield. Standing at an impressive 6'4" and weighing 216 lbs, Lavoie possesses the physical traits and skill set ideal for both center and wing positions, making him a valuable depth scorer for a team with championship aspirations.

As the Oilers navigate a challenging season filled with cap restrictions, the addition of Lavoie provides much-needed versatility. With injuries always a concern in professional hockey, Lavoie could soon find himself back in the NHL lineup at a moment's notice, offering an intriguing option for head coach Jay Woodcroft.

The Golden Knights, on the other hand, were eager to develop Lavoie within their own AHL setup in Henderson, but it seems their plans were thwarted as the Oilers quickly claimed back their asset.

Could Lavoie be the secret weapon that propels the Oilers to greater heights this season? Only time will tell, but fans should keep a close eye on this burgeoning star!