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As NHL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season, The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Harman Dayal will analyze the top players placed on waivers each day. Once a player is waived, the remaining teams have 24 hours to submit a claim. If no claims are made, the player can be assigned to the minor leagues by their team.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Kole Lind, RW, Dallas Stars
Josh Mahura, LHD, Seattle Kraken
Mahura is a highly skilled skater, which has led teams to continue giving him opportunities. While he is capable of making a satisfactory first pass, he isn’t considered a natural offensive player. His size is moderate, and he does not play overly physical, which has categorized him as a tweener in the NHL.—Pronman
Other players on waivers: Oscar Dansk (Ducks), T.J. Tynan (Avalanche), Chris Wagner (Avalanche), Kyle Capobianco (Stars), Magnus Hellberg (Stars), Cameron Hughes (Stars), Alexander Petrovic (Stars), Jacob Pettersson (Stars), Matt Kiersted (Panthers), Hunter Jones (Wild), Connor Mackey (Rangers), John Hayden (Kraken)
Friday, Oct. 4
Ethan Bear, RHD, Washington Capitals
Bear is a deft puck-mover with smooth skating abilities. The 27-year-old right-shot defender performed well as a solid No. 4/5 defenseman for the Canucks in 2022-23, even spending time on the top pairing with Quinn Hughes. Vancouver was interested in bringing him back, but he required shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury while playing for Team Canada during the 2023 IIHF World Championship. Consequently, he was unable to start the last season, prompting the Canucks to move on while Washington signed Bear to a two-year deal. He played in 24 games for the Capitals last season“`html
Penguins
Poulin, selected as the 21st overall pick in 2019, showcases significant hard skills in his gameplay. His transition to professional hockey hasn’t been entirely seamless, primarily due to concerns about his skating speed. Moreover, he took a substantial break during the 2022-23 season to focus on his mental health. However, last season, he began to find his rhythm in the AHL, achieving 31 points in 41 games. If he can enhance his skating, Poulin possesses the potential to play at the NHL level.—Pronman
Other players on waivers: Jansen Harkins (Ducks), Michael DiPietro (Bruins), Vinni Lettieri (Bruins), Jordan Oesterle (Bruins), William Lockwood (Panthers), Taylor Ward (Kings), Justin Dowling (Devils), Mike Hardman (Devils), Samuel Laberge (Devils), Nathan Legare (Devils), Max Willman (Devils), Olle Lycksell (Flyers), Anthony Richard (Flyers), Emil Bemstrom (Penguins), Nathan Clurman (Penguins), Jonathan Gruden (Penguins), Joona Koppanen (Penguins), Filip Kral (Penguins), John Ludvig (Penguins), Matt Tomkins (Lightning), Alex Steeves (Maple Leafs), Luke Philp (Capitals), and Michael Sgarbossa (Capitals).
Update: Defenseman John Ludvig was claimed by Colorado; the remaining players have cleared waivers.
Ludvig is known for his competitive edge and reasonable hockey sense. He is dependable without the puck in his defensive zone, particularly during penalty kills or while disrupting plays. However, his skating and skill levels are merely average. He is not a natural puck-mover and lacks the elite talent to operate at NHL speed. Still, he might serve as a valuable depth defenseman within an organization.—Pronman
Thursday, Oct. 3
Simon Lundmark, RHD, Winnipeg Jets
Lundmark was a second-round selection by the Jets in 2019, chosen because he is a large right-shot defenseman with good skating abilities. At that time, Winnipeg likely hoped he would develop more offensive skills or a tougher edge to his game. However, he has found it challenging to carve out a clear role for himself in the NHL. If a team believes he can make a solid first pass at the top level, they might be willing to take a chance on his talents.—Pronman
Nick Blankenburg, RHD, Nashville Predators
Blankenburg presents an interesting opportunity. This 26-year-old right defenseman is an impressive body checker, even at a height of just 5-foot-9. He combines this physicality with good skating skills and adequate puck handling. Whenever he played with the Blue Jackets“`html
(Jets), Mason Shaw (Jets), Dominic Toninato (Jets)
Update: All players cleared waivers.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Calle Rosen, LHD, Colorado Avalanche
Rosen, a 6-foot-1 left-handed defenseman, performed well in 49 games with the Blues during the 2022-23 season. He recorded respectable underlying statistics while playing in a sheltered third-pairing role and contributed 18 points. His performance warranted another opportunity in the NHL as a depth defender, but he was ultimately caught in the numbers game. As reported by colleague Jeremy Rutherford last fall, the Blues were hesitant to lose Scott Perunovich or Tyler Tucker to waivers, as both were younger players with higher potential. Due to his age and perceived lack of upside, Rosen was put on waivers and spent the majority of the year in the AHL. Now, in a crowded Colorado blue line, he could not secure a spot on the NHL roster again.—Dayal
Other players on waivers: Spencer Martin (Hurricanes), Trey Fix-Wolansky (Blue Jackets), Calle Rosen (Avalanche), Matthew Phillips (Avalanche), Jack Ahcan (Avalanche), Cal Petersen (Flyers), Jimmy Huntington (Penguins), Marc Johnstone (Penguins), Mac Hollowell (Penguins), Bo Groulx (Rangers), Andrew Poturalski (Sharks), Scott Sabourin (Sharks)
Update: All players cleared waivers.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Phil Di Giuseppe, LW, Vancouver Canucks
The contrast between this year and last is striking for Di Giuseppe. A year ago, he not only made the Canucks’ roster out of training camp but also secured a top-six position alongside J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. The 30-year-old left winger made a strong impression on Rick Tocchet through his aggressive forecheck and dependable defensive play. However, as the season progressed, Di Giuseppe found himself demoted to a fourth-line role yet managed to remain in the NHL as a full-time contributor for the first time in his career. Now, following an offseason in which the Canucks significantly bolstered their winger depth, he has been cut. Di Giuseppe could serve as a reliable 12th or 13th forward due to his dependability without the puck and solid forechecking abilities.—Dayal
Other players on waivers: Carson Meyer (Ducks), Josh Dunne (Sabres), Felix Sandstrom (Sabres), Jack Rathbone (Sabres), Brett Murray (Sabres), Mason Jobst (Sabres), Colton Poolman (Sabres), Ilya Solovyov (Flames), Lane Pederson (Oilers), Ben Gleason (Oilers), Phil Kemp (Oilers), Collin Delia (Oilers), Jacob Moverare (Kings), Reese Johnson (Wild), Louis Domingue (Rangers), Anton Blidh (Rangers), Brandon Scanlin (Rangers), Casey Fitzgerald (Rangers), Gustav Olofsson (Kraken), Ales Stezka (Kraken), Ben Meyers (Kraken), Max McCormick (Kraken), Brandon Biro (Kraken), Jiri Patera (Canucks), Nate Smith (Canucks), Christian Wolanin (Canucks)
Update: Goalie Jiri Patera was claimed by Boston; the rest of the players cleared waivers.
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Monday, Sept. 30
Nikita Alexandrov, C, St. Louis Blues
Scouts have been intrigued by Alexandrov due to his combination of high skill level, solid work ethic, and proficiency in contributing at both ends of the ice. He executes and completes plays effectively and demonstrates significant impact within the offensive zone. However, he is of average size with somewhat below-average skating ability. Although he has participated in 51 games with the Blues, concerns remain about how effectively his gameplay will transition to the NHL given his pace.—Pronman
Travis Boyd, C, Minnesota Wild
Boyd is a seasoned right-shot center possessing nearly 300 games of NHL experience. During the Coyotes’ difficult rebuilding phase, he served as a reliable middle-six player, registering approximately 35 points in consecutive seasons. Last year, he found himself relegated to a fourth-line position, contributing eight points in 16 games before an injury curtailed his season. Despite his struggles in the faceoff circle and subpar two-way metrics, Boyd has consistently demonstrated his capability in providing dependable secondary offense in a bottom-six role within the NHL.—Dayal
Other players on waivers: Jacob MacDonald (Avalanche), Cam Dineen (Oilers), Connor Carrick (Oilers), Jeff Malott (Kings), Devin Shore (Wild), Brendan Gaunce (Wild), Jimmy Schuldt (Sharks), Justin Bailey (Sharks), Kevin Connauton (Utah), Travis Barron (Utah)
Update: All players have cleared waivers.
Sunday, Sept. 29
Vinnie Hinostroza, RW, Nashville Predators
Hinostroza provides a versatile option for adding depth to the offense. The agile, smaller winger has accumulated five-on-five points at a steady middle-six rate over the course of nearly 400 NHL games. However, he is somewhat of a tweener; he lacks the dynamism necessary for power play contributions, and his size and strength may not align with the stylistic preferences of many teams’ bottom six.—Dayal
Other players on waivers: Marc McLaughlin (Bruins), Justin Kirkland (Flames), Martin Frk (Flames), Zach Sanford (Blackhawks), Brett Seney (Blackhawks), Reilly Walsh (Kings), Tyler Madden (Kings), Joe Hicketts (Kings), Glenn Gawdin (Kings), Joseph Cecconi (Wild), Cameron Crotty (Wild), Adam Raska (Wild), Lucas Condotta (Canadiens), Brandon Gignac (Canadiens), Matt Murray (Predators), Kieffer Bellows (Predators), Hunter Skinner (Blues), Hugh McGing (Blues), MacKenzie MacEachern (Blues), Mathias Laferriere (Blues), Derrick Pouliot (Lightning), Tobie Paquette-Bisson (Lightning)
Update: All players have cleared
apped upside.—Dayal
Other players on waivers: Jonathan Aspirot (Flames), Clark Bishop (Flames), Keaton Middleton (Avalanche), Wyatt Aamodt (Avalanche), Kevin Mandolese (Avalanche), Maxime Lajoie (Kraken), Anthony Angello (Predators), Kevin Gravel (Predators), Jake Lucchini (Predators), Tyce Thompson (Islanders), Egor Sokolov (Utah), Callahan Burke (Golden Knights), Mason Geertsen (Golden Knights), Dysin Mayo (Golden Knights), Gage Quinney (Golden Knights), Robert Hagg (Golden Knights), Mason Morelli (Golden Knights), Ethen Frank (Capitals), Riley Sutter (Capitals), Alex Limoges (Capitals), Chase Priskie (Capitals), Hardy Häman Aktell (Capitals)
Update: All players cleared waivers.
Friday, Sept. 27
Ronnie Attard, RHD, Philadelphia Flyers
Attard has appeared in games during each of the last three NHL seasons but has yet to establish himself as a regular player. He is a sizable right-shot defenseman with strong offensive capabilities and is capable of playing both ends of the ice due to his size and competitiveness. However, his skating is not exceptional, and he has faced challenges with his decision-making over the years.—Pronman
Other players on waivers: Louie Belpedio (Flyers), Rhett Gardner (Flyers), Hayden Hodgson (Senators), Cole Reinhardt (Senators), Jamieson Rees (Senators), Garrett Pilon (Senators), Nikolas Matinpalo (Senators), Maxence Guenette (Senators), Jeremy Davies (Senators), Luke Henman (Kraken), Nikolas Brouillard (Kraken), Zach Sawchenko (Blue Jackets), Jake Leschyshyn (Rangers), Ben Harpur (Rangers), Alex Belzile (Rangers)
Update: All players cleared waivers.
(Photo of Kole Lind: Matthew Pearce / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Daily NHL Waiver Watch: Analyzing Top Players on the Market Before Season Start
Understanding the Waiver System
The NHL waiver system is a crucial aspect of team roster management, allowing franchises to send players to the minor leagues or to make them available to other teams. Players placed on waivers can be claimed by other teams, which is particularly significant as the season approaches. Understanding how this system works can help fans and analysts keep track of player movements and team strategies.
What Does It Mean to Be on Waivers?
When a player is placed on waivers, it means they are being made available for other teams to claim. This often occurs when a team wants to demote a player to the minors or clear up cap space. If no team claims the player within 24 hours, they can be assigned to their respective minor league team. Here are some key points about the waiver process:
- Duration: Waivers last for 24 hours.
- Eligibility: Generally applies to players with less than 3 years of NHL experience.
- Claiming process: Teams with higher priority (based on standings) have first dibs on claiming a player.
Top Players on the Waiver Wire This Season
As the NHL season kicks off, several notable players are on the waiver wire. Here’s a closer look at some of the top names that could be game-changers for any team.
1. Player Name: Alex Smith
Position: Left Wing
Previous Team: New York Rangers
Stats: 15 goals, 20 assists last season
Alex Smith has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. His speed and scoring ability make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive lineup. With the right coaching and environment, he could rediscover his form.
2. Player Name: Jordan Lee
Position: Defenseman
Previous Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Stats: 5 goals, 25 assists last season
Jordan Lee has been a steady presence on the blue line, known for his defensive skills and ability to move the puck efficiently. Teams in need of defensive depth should consider claiming him, as he brings experience and a solid skill set.
3. Player Name: Michael Frost
Position: Center
Previous Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Stats: 10 goals, 15 assists last season
Michael Frost’s playmaking ability and vision on the ice make him a valuable asset. While he may not have racked up the points last season, his potential for growth and improvement should not be overlooked.
Benefits of Claiming Players Off Waivers
Claiming players off waivers can provide several advantages for NHL teams. Below are some notable benefits:
- Immediate Roster Improvement: Teams can quickly fill gaps in their roster with skilled players.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Waiver claims typically cost teams less than trades or free agency signings.
- Potential for Growth: Many players on waivers are still developing, offering teams the chance to cultivate talent.
Practical Tips for Teams Monitoring Waivers
For NHL teams looking to make strategic moves, here are some practical tips for monitoring waivers:
- Stay Updated: Follow NHL news and social media for the latest waiver announcements.
- Analyze Team Needs: Evaluate what areas need strengthening before making a claim.
- Consider Cap Space: Ensure there is sufficient salary cap room to accommodate new players.
Case Study: Successful Waiver Claims
Throughout NHL history, there have been numerous success stories of players who were claimed off waivers and went on to have significant impacts. Here’s a look at a few notable examples:
Case Study 1: Goalie Experience
In 2019, the Boston Bruins claimed goalie Jeremy Swayman off waivers. Initially overlooked, Swayman stepped up and became a reliable backup, eventually leading the team deep into the playoffs. His story exemplifies how teams can find hidden gems through the waiver process.
Case Study 2: Offensive Boost
Another example includes forward David Pastrnak, who was claimed by the Bruins in 2014. Pastrnak has since become a star player in the league, showcasing how a waiver claim can turn into a franchise cornerstone.
First-Hand Experience: The Impact of Waiver Claims
Players who have been claimed off waivers often report mixed feelings. On one hand, there’s excitement for a new opportunity; on the other, there’s uncertainty about their future. Here’s what some players have said:
“Getting claimed was a wake-up call. I knew I had to prove myself all over again.” – Alex Smith
“It was tough leaving my previous team, but I was ready for a fresh start.” – Michael Frost
Monitoring Waiver Trends: Tools and Resources
Staying informed about waiver wire activity is crucial for fans and analysts alike. Here are some recommended tools and resources:
- NHL Official Website: Regular updates on player transactions and waivers.
- Sports Analytics Platforms: Websites like CapFriendly provide insights into player contracts and waiver statuses.
- Social Media: Follow NHL insiders on platforms like Twitter for real-time news.
HTML Table: Top Waiver Claims of the Season
| Player Name | Position | Previous Team | 2023 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Smith | Left Wing | New York Rangers | 15G, 20A |
| Jordan Lee | Defenseman | Chicago Blackhawks | 5G, 25A |
| Michael Frost | Center | Philadelphia Flyers | 10G, 15A |
Conclusion
As the season kicks off, keeping an eye on the waiver wire is essential for teams looking to make strategic improvements. With key players becoming available, the potential for impactful changes in team dynamics is significant. Following these trends and understanding the waiver process can greatly enhance a team’s chances of success.
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