Raphaël Lavoie Bio
Raphaël Lavoie is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who has played in the National Hockey League for the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights. Drafted 38th overall in the second round of the 2019 NHL entry draft, he has spent most of his professional career developing in the American Hockey League with the Henderson Silver Knights. His combination of size, shooting ability, and two-way awareness has made him a notable prospect in the Vegas Golden Knights organization.
Early Life and Background
Raphaël Lavoie was born on September 25, 2000, in Chambly, Quebec, Canada. He grew up in the province of Quebec, a region known for producing some of the finest hockey talent in the world. From an early age, Lavoie was immersed in the sport, which has deep cultural roots in Quebec communities. His physical presence at 193 cm tall and 98 kg gave him an advantage in youth competition before he even reached his teens.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League provided Lavoie with his first significant platform as an aspiring professional player. Growing up in Chambly placed him within reasonable distance of several QMJHL teams, and the competitive nature of Quebec junior hockey helped sharpen his skills against elite peers. By the time he reached draft eligibility, scouts had already noted his offensive production and the physical tools that made him stand out from other centres in his age group.
Path to Hockey
Lavoie began his junior career with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before moving on to play for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, also of the QMJHL, between 2016 and 2020. His time in the QMJHL spanned four seasons during which he established himself as a productive centre capable of scoring at a high level. The league has a long history of sending players to the NHL, and Lavoie’s performance there put him on the radar of NHL teams across North America.
His two-way play and offensive contributions in the QMJHL led to his selection by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the 2019 NHL entry draft. Being drafted 38th overall represented a major milestone in his development, confirming the work he had put in during his junior career. The Oilers organization recognised his potential as a centre who could eventually contribute at both ends of the ice.
Raphaël Lavoie Career
Early Career (2020-2023)
On March 20, 2020, the Edmonton Oilers announced they had signed Lavoie to a three-year entry-level contract, officially turning professional. That same September he participated in Oilers preseason training camp before being assigned to Väsby IK of HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier league, on September 22. Spending time in Europe is a common development step for North American prospects, and Lavoie used the 2020-21 season with Väsby to gain professional experience against seasoned European players.
On March 27, 2021, following the conclusion of Väsby’s season, Lavoie and fellow Oilers prospect Philip Kemp were both assigned to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League. Lavoie played three seasons with the Condors from 2021 through 2023, establishing himself as a consistent contributor at the AHL level. His time in Bakersfield allowed him to refine his game against professional competition and prepare for an eventual call-up to the NHL.
Edmonton Oilers Breakthrough (2023)
After three seasons of development in the AHL, Raphaël Lavoie earned his first opportunity at the highest level of professional hockey. He played his first National Hockey League game on November 4, 2023, appearing in a 5-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. Making an NHL debut is a significant moment for any player, and for Lavoie it represented the culmination of years of development through junior hockey, Europe, and the AHL.
The November 2023 call-up gave Lavoie the chance to test his game against the best players in the world and learn what it takes to succeed at the NHL level. Although his debut resulted in a loss, the experience was invaluable for a young centre adjusting to the speed and physicality of the league. The Oilers organization continued to monitor his progress as he gained confidence in the NHL environment.
Henderson Silver Knights Era (2020-Present)
Raphaël Lavoie joined the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League as an affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights following a series of waiver transactions in October 2024. After being claimed off waivers by the Vegas Golden Knights on October 7, 2024, and then briefly reclaimed by Edmonton before being claimed again by Vegas on October 11, the organization assigned him to Henderson shortly afterward. The Silver Knights serve as the primary development affiliate for Vegas and provide an environment for players like Lavoie to build their game at the AHL level.
During his time with Henderson, Lavoie has continued to work on all aspects of his game while maintaining his NHL readiness. His assignment to the AHL following the waiver transactions allowed him regular playing time and the opportunity to contribute to a competitive Silver Knights roster. The affiliation with Vegas gives him a clear pathway back to the NHL should the opportunity arise.
Vegas Golden Knights Era (2024-Present)
Raphaël Lavoie made his debut for the Vegas Golden Knights on January 28, 2025, playing eight and a half minutes in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. His appearance for Vegas came after the team claimed him off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers, giving him a fresh start with a contending NHL franchise. The Golden Knights’ acquisition of Lavoie through the waiver process demonstrated their interest in adding young depth to their forward group.
As a restricted free agent following the 2024-25 season, Lavoie signed a one-year contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights on July 6, 2025, keeping him under team control. He signed a further extension with Vegas on July 1, 2026, entering unrestricted free agency the following offseason. These contract moves have secured his future with the organization and given him stability heading into the next phase of his professional career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Raphaël Lavoie plays as a centre and shoots right, giving his coaches flexibility in deploying him across the forward lines. His height of 193 cm and weight of 98 kg provide a physical presence in the slot and along the boards, while his skating and offensive instincts allow him to contribute in transition. The centre position demands a broad skill set, and Lavoie has worked to develop the two-way awareness needed to succeed at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Raphaël Lavoie’s career to date remains his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers on November 4, 2023. Moving from the QMJHL to the AHL to the NHL represents one of the most difficult paths in all of professional sports, and reaching the highest level is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. His subsequent call-up to the Vegas Golden Knights in January 2025 marked another important chapter in his professional journey.
Raphaël Lavoie Career Wins
Raphaël Lavoie has built a professional hockey career that spans the NHL, AHL, HockeyAllsvenskan, and the QMJHL, with contributions across multiple levels of the sport. While specific win and statistics totals at each level are not fully detailed in available sources, his progression from junior hockey to the NHL reflects consistent performance across several leagues and organisations.
QMJHL Highlights
Lavoie played junior hockey with the Halifax Mooseheads and Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League between 2016 and 2020. His performance in the QMJHL over four seasons established him as a legitimate NHL prospect and led to his selection by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2019 draft.
AHL and International Wins and Performances
Lavoie played three seasons with the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League, gaining valuable professional experience before making his NHL debut. His assignment to Väsby IK of HockeyAllsvenskan during the 2020-21 season gave him international playing experience in Sweden’s second-tier league. His NHL debut in November 2023 with the Edmonton Oilers and his subsequent games with the Vegas Golden Knights in January 2025 represent his highest-level professional achievements to date.
Raphaël Lavoie Family
Family Background and Lineage
Raphaël Lavoie was born and raised in Chambly, Quebec, Canada, within a province with a rich hockey culture and tradition. Details about his immediate family and any sporting background among relatives are not publicly documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Outside of hockey, Raphaël Lavoie maintains a private personal life. Publicly available information about his personal relationships, interests outside of hockey, and daily routine is limited. His focus has remained primarily on his development as a professional ice hockey player across multiple organisations and leagues.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been defined by Raphaël Lavoie’s transition to the Vegas Golden Knights organisation and his continued development in the American Hockey League. His debut for Vegas on January 28, 2025, in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars represented a significant step forward in his NHL career following his acquisition from the Edmonton Oilers. The waiver transactions that brought him to Vegas, combined with his AHL assignment to Henderson, positioned him for regular professional competition at multiple levels.
As the 2025 season progressed, Lavoie remained under contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, having signed a one-year extension on July 6, 2025. The extension reflected the organisation’s continued investment in his development as a young centre. His assignment to the Henderson Silver Knights gave him consistent ice time and the chance to refine his game at the AHL level while remaining within the Vegas system.
Looking ahead from the 2025 season, Raphaël Lavoie’s career outlook is closely tied to the Vegas Golden Knights’ depth chart and his ability to compete for an NHL roster spot. His experience across the QMJHL, AHL, and NHL has given him a well-rounded professional foundation. The extensions signed in July 2025 and July 2026 have secured his position within the organisation and provided the stability needed to continue his development as a professional ice hockey player.