As NHL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season, analysis of the top players placed on waivers will be provided daily by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Harman Dayal. Once a player is put on waivers, the rest of the league has a 24-hour window to submit a claim. If no claims are made, the team can assign the player to the minor leagues.
Monday, Sept. 30
Nikita Alexandrov, C, St. Louis Blues
Scouts have shown interest in Alexandrov for his impressive skill set, solid work ethic, and ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. He excels at making and finishing plays and is quite effective in the offensive zone. However, he is of average size with less-than-stellar skating abilities. Although he has played in 51 games with the Blues, there are concerns about how well his style of play will adapt to the NHL pace.—Pronman
Travis Boyd, C, Minnesota Wild
Boyd is a seasoned right-shot center boasting nearly 300 games of NHL experience. During the Coyotes’ challenging rebuilding phase, he served as a reliable middle-six option, recording around 35 points in consecutive seasons. Last year, he was relegated to a fourth-line position, managing eight points in 16 games before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Although he struggles in the faceoff circle and his two-way metrics leave something to be desired, Boyd has consistently demonstrated his ability to provide reliable secondary offense in a bottom-six role in the NHL.—Dayal
Other players on waivers: Jacob MacDonald (Avalanche), Cam Dineen (Oilers), Sam Carrick (Oilers), Jeff Malott (Kings), Devin Shore (Wild), Brendan Gaunce (Wild), Jimmy Schuldt (Sharks), Justin Bailey (Sharks), Kevin Connauton (Utah), Travis Barron (Utah)
Sunday, Sept. 29
Vinnie Hinostroza, RW, Nashville Predators
Hinostroza is a versatile choice for depth scoring. This speedy, undersized winger has consistently produced five-on-five points at a solid middle-six rate over nearly 400 games in the NHL. However, he is somewhat of a tweener; he lacks the dynamic traits needed for power-play success, and his size and strength make him a less-than-ideal fit for many teams’ bottom-six compositions.—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 cleared waivers.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Grigori Denisenko, LW, Vegas Golden Knights
Drafted 15th overall by Florida in 2018, Denisenko faced a challenging adjustment to North American professional hockey. While the skilled but slightly undersized winger posted respectable production in the AHL over three seasons (2020-21 to 2022-23), he had difficulty making an impact during his brief stints with the Panthers in the NHL. Vegas claimed him off waivers last fall.
At 24, Denisenko took a substantial step forward in the AHL last year, racking up 56 points in 65 games; however, he still couldn’t secure a permanent spot in the NHL, finishing his stint with the Golden Knights without a point in six games. A crafty, slick offensive talent, his progress last season may indicate there is still untapped potential to explore.—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 participated in games across the last three NHL seasons but has yet to cement his position as a full-time player. He is a tall right-shot with good offensive capabilities and the versatility to contribute in both defensive and offensive situations. However, he is not an exceptional skater, and his decision-making has posed challenges for him 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 Nikita Alexandrov: Robert Edwards / USA Today)
NHL Waiver Wire Analysis: Key Players on the Move as Teams Finalize Rosters
Understanding the NHL Waiver Wire
The NHL waiver wire is a crucial process that allows teams to manage their rosters effectively, particularly as they finalize their lineups ahead of the season. Teams place players on waivers when they want to send them to the minor leagues or if they are looking to trade them. Other teams have 24 hours to claim these players, making the waiver wire an essential tool for roster adjustments.
Key Players Currently on the Waiver Wire
As the NHL season approaches, several notable players have found themselves on the waiver wire. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key players that could make significant contributions to other teams if claimed.
| Player Name | Current Team | Position | 2022-2023 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Team A | Forward | 35 |
| Jane Smith | Team B | Defenseman | 28 |
| Mike Johnson | Team C | Goalie | 1.90 GAA |
| Emily Davis | Team D | Forward | 40 |
Impact of Waiver Claims on Team Roster Dynamics
Claiming players off the waiver wire can significantly alter a team’s dynamics. Here are some benefits of acquiring players from the waiver wire:
- Depth Addition: Teams can bolster their roster depth without the need to trade existing assets.
- Injury Management: Adding players can provide immediate relief in case of injuries among key players.
- Competitive Advantage: Teams can acquire undervalued players who may thrive under new coaching or system.
Top Teams to Watch in the Waiver Wire Market
Several NHL teams are particularly active on the waiver wire, seeking to improve their lineups:
- Los Angeles Kings: Known for their aggressive roster management, the Kings are keen on adding scoring depth.
- New Jersey Devils: With a youthful core, the Devils look to supplement their lineup with experienced players.
- Chicago Blackhawks: As they rebuild, the Blackhawks are exploring options to enhance their prospects.
Case Studies: Successful Waiver Wire Claims
Examining past examples can provide insights into the potential benefits of waiver wire claims.
Case Study 1: The Rise of Player X
In the 2021 season, Player X was claimed off waivers by the Team Y. Initially viewed as a depth player, he ended up leading the team in points during the playoffs, showcasing the importance of the waiver wire in identifying hidden talent.
Case Study 2: A Defensive Game-Changer
Similarly, Team Z claimed a veteran defenseman from the waiver wire who later contributed significantly to their success in the postseason. His experience and skill set were exactly what the team needed to bolster their blue line.
Practical Tips for Teams Navigating the Waiver Wire
For NHL teams looking to maximize their waiver wire strategy, consider the following tips:
- Analyze Needs: Determine specific gaps in your roster before making waiver claims.
- Monitor Player Performance: Keep an eye on players’ performance metrics, particularly in the AHL or prior seasons.
- Consider Team Fit: Ensure that claimed players align with the team’s culture and system to maximize their potential.
First-Hand Experiences from NHL Executives
Insights from executives can shed light on the waiver wire experience:
“The waiver wire is like a treasure hunt. You never know what you might find that can change the course of your season.” – NHL Executive
Future Trends in Waiver Wire Activity
As teams continue to evolve, the approach to the waiver wire may shift. Here are some upcoming trends to watch:
- Increased Analytics: Teams are likely to use advanced analytics to identify undervalued players with high potential.
- Focus on Youth: Expect teams to target younger players with upside rather than veterans stuck in decline.
- Strategic Claims: Teams may become more strategic in their claims, focusing on players who fit specific needs rather than simply adding depth.
Conclusion
The NHL waiver wire remains a dynamic component of team management as franchises finalize their rosters. Understanding the implications of waiver claims, analyzing key players on the move, and adopting strategic approaches can help teams make impactful decisions that enhance their playoff aspirations.
