Raphael Lavoie and Kaapo Kahkonen claimed off waivers as the madness continues

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
October 11, 2024 (4:39 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The waiver wire in the NHL hasn't been as loaded this past week, but it has been full of madness, with Raphael Lavoie and Kaapo Kahkonen both claimed on Friday.

This past week in the NHL has been full of crazy waiver wire moments, most of which revolve around young forward Raphael Lavoie, who had been placed on waivers three times this past week, being claimed twice by Edmonton and once by Vegas. On Friday, the saga continued, as Lavoie was claimed yet again by the Vegas Golden Knights after the Oilers placed him on waivers with the intention of sending him to the AHL.

Because of the way things happened, now the Golden Knights are able to send him straight to their AHL affiliate the Henderson Silver Knights, potentially once and for all ending this saga. Also claimed on waivers on Friday was veteran goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, who was also claimed by a division rival as the Colorado Avalanche claimed the former Winnipeg Jets goaltender, potentially fixing their backup goaltender situation.

At 28-years of age, Kahkonen has yet to be given a real shot over the past few years on a contending team, but now he's the backup to Alexandar Georgiev, and after the team allowed six goals in their opening night contest, he may be getting a big opportunity. Throughout his 139 game career, Kahkonen has thus far posted a 3.33 GAA and an .899 save percentage, so while he may not be a starter, he's a player that Winnipeg will no doubt regret waiving if injuries strike their team at all this season.

With the regular season now underway for every team, it's likely that the waiver wire craziness will significantly slow down, but after the past week, it's safe to say that absolutely anything could happen on waivers this year in the NHL.