Golden Knights Claim Lavoie Again

In a whirlwind of activity, Raphael Lavoie has once again found himself on the move, as the Vegas Golden Knights claimed the young winger from the Edmonton Oilers for the second time in just days. This latest waiver claim marks the third time this week Lavoie has been claimed, raising questions about his future in the NHL.

Oilers' Dilemma

On the latest Friday waiver wire, Elliotte Friedman reported that no other team placed a claim on Lavoie, allowing the Golden Knights to add him to their roster. Just earlier this week, another team had shown interest, leading to speculation about whether they were merely interfering with the Oilers' plans. This unnamed team could potentially be the Colorado Avalanche, who are currently missing key wingers like Gabriel Landeskog, Arturri Lehkonen, and Valeri Nichushkin. The plot thickens, as it remains a mystery why they didn't secure Lavoie for themselves.

Lavoie's Performance

Despite the recent tumultuous week, Lavoie leaves behind an optimistic note from the Oilers' perspective. With two preseason goals—more than any other player in the squad—Lavoie demonstrated his potential during the exhibition season. His last significant act as an Oiler was scoring the game-winning goal against the Seattle Kraken, leaving fans pondering why the team didn't keep the promising talent longer, especially with their roster flexibility.

Oilers' Future Challenges

This situation sheds light on deeper issues within the Oilers franchise. General Manager Ken Holland's draft legacy appears grim, as Lavoie's departure leaves the Oilers without a single player in their system who was drafted under his tenure with any NHL experience. The franchise has already seen other prospects like Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway exit, further complicating the team's future.

Potential New Additions for Oilers

Meanwhile, Kevin Shattenkirk, an unrestricted free agent defenseman and former Stanley Cup champion, has emerged as a potential target for the Oilers as they look to fortify their defensive lineup. Despite being a solid player in previous seasons, there are concerns regarding Shattenkirk's ability to handle the pressures of a top-four role in Edmonton's roster, especially given his sheltered minutes in last season's playoffs with the Bruins.

Conclusion

As the Golden Knights welcome Lavoie and the Oilers navigate through their complexities, fans are left wondering if Lavoie’s latest claim will finally provide him with the stability he seeks in the NHL or if he'll face another round of uncertainty. In this high-stakes game of roster moves, one thing remains clear: Lavoie's career trajectory hangs in the balance, and the clock is ticking for him to make a lasting impact in the league.