Promising Ex-Oilers Prospect Struggling With New Team

This former Edmonton Oilers prospect is trying to find his place with a new team.

Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK - Promising Ex-Oilers Prospect Struggling With New Team

EDMONTON -- A new start means new opportunities.

Unfortunately, for one former Edmonton Oilers prospect, it also means an opportunity for failure.

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Not every player who leaves a team does so of their own accord. The team has often moved on, but the player hasn't, or vice versa.

But, in the case of one Raphael Lavoie, either wanted to move on.

The Oilers faced a tough decision during training camp. One option was to keep Lavoie up with the team and risk icing a lineup that was not their best or send the waivers-eligible prospect down to the AHL in the hopes that more experience at that level would better prepare him for potentially playing in the NHL.

Unexpectedly (but not surprisingly), he was put on waivers and then subsequently claimed. This process continued for about a week until the Vegas Golden Knights were left with the young sniper.

Since they acquired him, he has been playing for their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights. Things haven't been going so well for the promising forward.

In 11 games, he has two points and is -9. He has only fired 27 shots on the net, giving him a measly 3.7 shooting percentage. Lavoie is a 12 percent shooter in his entire AHL career.

Additionally, his 27 shots in 11 games give him an average of 2.45 shots on goal per game. Last year, he averaged 3.04 shots on goal, just over half a shot more per game.

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His confidence has taken a hit. Fortunately, it's up to Lavoie to prove his worth and work up to the NHL.

Or, knowing the Golden Knights and their tendencies, they will trade him at the deadline as part of a package for a playoff push. Then, he will get a new start with an organization that will give him a proper opportunity.

It may seem dire now, but it's always darkest before the dawn.

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