The Edmonton Oilers reclaimed Raphael Lavoie on waivers Wednesday. Another team reportedly put a claim in on the forward, so now Edmonton has to decide whether to keep him on the roster or risk waivers again.
There is speculation that the claiming team might have done so to hinder the Oilers’ roster flexibility or salary cap space rather than with genuine interest in Lavoie.
Based on the reverse order of last season’s standings, the team making the claim could have been one of several teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, and others. With Edmonton likely reacquiring Lavoie, the move may have been strategic to limit the Oilers’ cap space.
Edmonton’s cap space has been significantly reduced by reacquiring Lavoie, potentially impacting their ability to make moves later in the season. If a team intentionally made the claim to disrupt the Oilers’ plans, it could have long-term implications.
Are the Oilers Willing to Call The Rival’s Bluff on Lavoie?
If the Oilers want to send Lavoie to the AHL, they must assess the risk of the claiming team submitting another claim. They must weigh the likelihood of losing Lavoie against the possibility that the claim was intended to disrupt the Oilers’ plans.
The Oilers must consider the possibility that the claiming team’s motives were not genuine, especially given the Oilers’ recent experiences with offer sheets. Teams may use strategic claims to create obstacles for their opponents.
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