After singing his new deal, Oilers Raphael Lavoie had to pay a steep price

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Sam Jones
July 11, 2024 (7:44)

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The Edmonton Oilers continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, recently securing a one-year extension with prospect Raphael Lavoie.

This new contract carries a cap hit of $775,000 AAV and operates on a two-way basis, reported today by Bruce McCurdy of the Cult of Hockey.

Lavoie, whose journey through the Oilers' system has been marked by highs and lows, signed his qualifying offer, a strategic move differing from a league minimum deal. This decision notably reduced his AHL salary to $70,000. Last season presented itself as a pivotal moment for Lavoie, with multiple roster spots up for grabs and substantial opportunities to break into the major league lineup.

Despite the open door, Lavoie's performance didn't quite ignite. The former Oilers GM, Ken Holland, opted to bolster the team's depth by bringing in players like Adam Erne and Sam Gagner on a professional tryout (PTO), as Lavoie struggled to make a significant impact. A brief six-game stint in the NHL saw him average just seven minutes on the ice per game, without registering a point.

The Oilers are not pulling back on reinforcing their team, continuously adding new faces to the lineup through free agency, thus increasing competition for spots. Lavoie's new deal, however, signals another chance for him to prove his mettle. A noteworthy aspect of his new contract is the bump in AHL pay to $200,000, should he not secure a permanent spot with the Oilers � a significant increase from last season's $70,000.

As the Oilers ready themselves for the new season, all eyes will be on players like Lavoie, who are at pivotal points in their careers. The organization's commitment to him, through this extension, reflects a belief in his potential to evolve into a valuable asset for the team. Whether he can leverage this opportunity to cement his place in the NHL remains to be seen. As the roster shapes up, Lavoie's journey will undoubtedly be one to watch.