In a stunning move that has left Edmonton Oilers fans reeling, winger Raphael Lavoie was claimed off waivers by the divisional rival Vegas Golden Knights. This comes after Lavoie, a second-round pick in 2019, displayed promising potential but ultimately fell short of making a lasting impact in Edmonton.

Lavoie, selected in the same draft that saw the departure of Philip Broberg, was viewed by many as a player in need of a fresh start. The Oilers had the roster space to keep him but chose to take a gamble by waiving him. This decision seems rooted in their desire to create some additional cap space for future maneuvers, a strategy they’ve employed before.

During the recent preseason, Lavoie proved his worth, netting two goals in just three appearances, including a last-minute game-winner against the Seattle Kraken. However, despite his scoring prowess in the AHL, where he recorded over 25 goals in back-to-back seasons, Lavoie’s time in the NHL was limited to just seven games, during which he managed no points, yet ended with a -2 rating.

At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Lavoie brings size and skill to the Golden Knights with a one-year NHL-minimum contract, alongside two additional years of restricted free agent rights. This represents a significant loss for the Oilers, who invested years in his development, much like the painful memories of losing valuable players like Curtis Glencross, Kyle Brodziak, and Andrew Cogliano to rivals without return.

With Lavoie’s departure, it raises questions about the Oilers' strategy moving forward as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans are left to ponder if trading an unsigned asset for cap space is worth the risk, especially when a divisional rival stands to gain from their investment.

As the Oilers gear up for their season opener, the impact of this loss may linger over them. Will they find a way to make up for it, or will this be another chapter in the saga of talent leaving Edmonton for greener pastures? Stay tuned!