Vegas Golden Knights poach two forwards from Canadian teams

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Julien Trekker
October 7, 2024 (4:34 PM)

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The Vegas Golden Knights poached two forwards from Canadian teams, including Raphael Lavoie from the Edmonton Oilers.

Yesterday, a total of 59 players hit the NHL waiver wire, including some interesting names. We expected to see teams claim some of them, and it was just confirmed.

Multiple teams made moves, including the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Vancouver Canucks, but the Vegas Golden Knights shocked a lot of people by claiming two players.

Kelly McCrimmon, the Golden Knights general manager, decided to claim Raphael Lavoie from the Edmonton Oilersand Cole Schwindt from the Flames, despite all eyes being on Jakob Pelletier in Calgary.

As confirmed by both Elliotte Friedman and Frank Seravalli:

Lavoie, 24, was drafted 38th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2019. The forward took part in his first seven NHL games last season but hasn't registered his first points yet. Since his draft, he played 202 games with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL, scoring 131 points, including 71 goals.

Like Lavoie, Schwindt played seven NHL games and never managed to add his name to the scoresheet. Drafted 81st overall by the Florida Panthers in 2019, the 23-year-old forward played 218 games in the AHL for the Syracuse Crunch, Charlotte Checkers, and Calgary Wranglers.

The Golden Knights have a lot of depth in their lineup, which means that both players will likely be sent in the AHL to start the season. However, they lost Zach Aston-Reese on waivers to the Columbus Blue Jackets, meaning that we could see one of them get a lineup spot sooner than expected.

Both players have untapped potential. If they can reach it, McCrimmon's move could turn out to be a home run.