Three Edmonton Oilers prospects could surprise everyone and make the NHL team.
Three Edmonton Oilers prospects could surprise everyone and make the NHL team.
EDMONTON -- The salary cap is a great thing.
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It levels the playing field across the entire NHL. Before the cap was implemented, teams that had more money could spend more. This created a greater disparity in the league.
The great thing about it today, is that teams that are up against the cap ceiling must rely on young players on inexpensive deals. That's the exact position the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in.
They will need young players on league minimum deals and entry level contracts to perform at a high level. Here's a list of three prospects who could make a name for themselves with the Oilers this year.
Raphael Lavoie
Contract: 1-year (two-way), $775,000
2023-24 Stats: GP-66, G-28, A-22, PTS-50, Shots-201, SH%-13.9
Raphael Lavoie is a homegrown Oilers prospect. The 38th overall selection in the 2019 draft is a big-bodied sniper who has yet to lay claim to an NHL job. The Oilers just re-signed him to a one-year deal worth $775,000.
Last year was his third season in the AHL. He set a career high for goals (28) and points (50). Because of his 6-foot-4 and 215 lbs frame and skill set, Lavoie would be best served for a top six position. Before he gets to that point, he may have to prove himself to be an effective bottom-six player to solidify himself as an NHLer.
Noah Philp
Contract: 1-year (two-way), $775,000
2022-23: GP-70, G-19, A-18, PTS-37, Shots-116, SH%-16.4
After taking the 2023-24 season off, Noah Philp is making a return to professional hockey this upcoming season. In his last season with the Bakersfield Condors he only registered 37 total points. However, 32 of those points came in the final 42 games of the season.
Condors head coach Colin Chaulk has spoken about how Philp's play improved over the course of the 2022-23 season. He is a player who could come into training camp and potentially win over the fourth line center position with the Oilers. It's more likely that he spends some time with the Condors in the AHL before getting a call-up.
Matt Savoie
Contract: 3-years (ELC), $887,000
2023-24 Stats: (AHL) GP-34, G-30, A-41, PTS-71, Shots-133
AHL: GP-6, G-2, A-3, PTS-5, Shots-10, SH%-20
The recently acquired hometown talent of Matt Savoie is undeniable. He had an impressive 2023-24 campaign, where he played games for four different teams in three different leagues.
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Savoie has speed and fantastic offensive talent. It's more than likely that he begins the year with the Condors. However, don't count him out from potentially winning a third line winger role with the Oilers out of training camp. He brings a lot of elements to the table that will be incredible weapons for the organization.
The Oilers don't need any of these three to make the Oilers this season to find success. But if any of these players win a job out of training camp it will certainly help the team out financially.
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