The Edmonton Oilers have one of the deepest teams in NHL history top to bottom. With players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins spending time on the third line, it is clear that some phenomenal players will not get their fair opportunity next year.
Thus far, it seems like Lavoie is ready for the NHL jump. In 61 games in the AHL last year, Lavoie scored 45 points, 25 of which were goals. He is no longer eligible to be sent down to the AHL directly so if he were to be sent down yet again, he would likely be claimed.
The Oilers have a great future piece in Lavoie. He is somebody who can really make a mark in the bottom six and chip in offensively on a 2nd powerplay unit for years to come. If the Oilers do decide to side with Brandon Sutter or Lane Pederson, we are likely watching them lose Lavoie for nothing to a team that will utilize him correctly.
