Golden Knights Place Raphael Lavoie on Waivers

In a surprising move, the Vegas Golden Knights have placed forward Raphael Lavoie on waivers, with the intent to assign him to their AHL affiliate, Henderson. This comes just a day after Lavoie was claimed from the Edmonton Oilers, who initially put him on waivers over the weekend.

Lavoie's Career and Performance

At only 24 years old, Lavoie is still on the rise. Standing at 6'4", he made his NHL debut last season, featuring in seven games for the Oilers during November and December. Despite his considerable height and potential, he struggled to make an impact, posting a -2 rating and managing only four shots on goal while averaging just 7:17 of ice time. However, his performance in the AHL was more promising, as he tallied 50 points in 66 games with the Bakersfield Condors, showcasing his offensive abilities and leaving him on the brink of making the NHL roster.

Golden Knights' Roster Decisions

Interestingly, the Golden Knights have also recently claimed Cole Schwindt off waivers from the Calgary Flames. With the return of veteran center William Karlsson, who will start the season on injured reserve, the team faces roster limitations, making it challenging to keep both Lavoie and Schwindt on the main roster.

Strategic Considerations

As injuries can pile up unexpectedly in the league, the Golden Knights hope that by attempting to send Lavoie down now, they can take advantage of the situation and avoid exposing key players like Ben Hutton or Kaedan Korczak, who hold significant defensive value. This strategic decision could potentially afford them a cushion for the season as they navigate player health and roster management.

Looking Ahead

With the season underway, all eyes will be on how the Golden Knights manage their roster and the future of Lavoie in the AHL. Will he flourish in Henderson and earn another shot at the NHL? Fans will be watching closely.