Getting to know Raphael Lavoie

Remember when Edmonton Oilers fans were losing their minds over the Raphael Lavoie saga? They were in a miniature war with the Vegas Golden Knights over the forward's services, with a back-and-forth waiver battle that would make for a good comedy. The Golden Knights ultimately won the war, sending Lavoie to the Henderson Silver Knights.

The result was Oilers fans spreading salty tears throughout Canada and the Golden Knights getting another depth piece. What's more, Lavoie could fight. The former AHL All-Star has had his share of incredible scraps, including this barnburner.

Once upon a time, there was a WWE superstar named Finlay. His catchphrase was the following:

"My name! Is Finlay! And I LOVE to fight!"

If Lavoie was a WWE superstar, he'd be Finlay for his penchant for dropping the gloves. He did it during his amateur days, during his days with the Bakersfield Condors, and nearly fought Liamn Bischnel on Tuesday in his first game with Vegas. Opponents better not see him come with a shillelagh. Otherwise, it's game over.

But let's get to know the man behind the waiver controversy (Irish club not included). Is there a future with the Golden Knights or will he head somewhere else? Will fans see more fights and scrappiness from the 24-year-old forward? Let's be gentle with the forward and not pick a fight with Lavoie. Here's what fans can expect with the Silver Knights prospect.

Getting to know Raphael Lavoie

Before being picked up by the Vegas Golden Knights, Raphael Lavoie spent last season with the Edmonton Oilers. He played seven games with the Oilers, scoring no points. However, he did have 13 hits during his brief stint, bringing a tough presence to Edmonton.

But what about his time before the NHL? Lavoie was selected in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Oilers (38th overall). He can play both center and right wing, carrying a right-handed shot with him. Lavoie stands at 6'4" and weighs 216 lbs., making him an ideal lower-line player. Imagine him and Keegan Kolesar beating up their opponents. Now that would be scary.

The 24-year-old spent four seasons in the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads and Chicoutimi Sagueneens, scoring 106 goals and 121 assists in 217 games (averaging 1.05 points per game). His best season came in 2018-19, where he scored 32 goals and 41 assists in 62 games.

But his stock picked up with the Bakersfield Condors and the AHL. Here, he scored 80 goals and 67 assists in five seasons (231 games) in the minor leagues, with his best campaign coming last season (28 goals and 22 assists in 66 games). This season, he has nine goals and seven assists in 29 games with the Henderson Silver Knights.

Does he have a chance with the Vegas Golden Knights?

Here's the thing with the Vegas Golden Knights. William Karlsson is out on a week-to-week basis with a lower-body injury. That will open up a roster spot on the Golden Knights. Add in a struggling Alexander Holtz and you have another spot you can take. It's like the old line from Major League and winning streaks.

"OK, we won a game yesterday. If we win a game today, it's called 'two in a row.' And if we win again tomorrow, that's called a 'winning streak.'"

Lou Brown, Major League

That quote can be associated with the Golden Knights and their current situation. However, it could also sum up Lavoie's opportunity in the NHL. If Holtz doesn't rebound from his struggles, that gives the former AHL All-Star a chance to prove himself.

What's funny is he has the potential to be a good bottom-six player. He hasn't scored at the NHL level yet. However, he's only played eight games in his career. Giving him more ample time in the major leagues will give him the necessary experience to grow as a hockey player. Just don't get on his bad side. Otherwise, he'll turn into a WWE wrestler from Northern Ireland.