Each​ year, numerous intriguing players​ become available on⁣ the ‌waiver wire ​as training camps conclude. Although‌ training camps have‌ yet to​ officially commence, Sam Poulin is already ​generating buzz online ⁣as a leading candidate.

According to Marco D’Amico from Responsible Gambling:

“However, it⁣ is the rebuilding teams like ‌the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, and ⁢Calgary Flames that stand to gain the most,” commented the source regarding which franchises might engage in trades ⁢or‍ take advantage of waiver⁣ claims.

Indeed, all three clubs currently rank within the top 10 ⁢in ​waiver‍ priority, as they finished ⁢in the bottom⁢ 10 of the 2023-2024 standings. Calgary and Anaheim have notable⁣ roster gaps to address,‍ and this fall presents​ a list of compelling players ⁢eligible for waivers.

Players such as Justin ​Barron (MTL), Samuel Bolduc ​(NYI), Ville Heinola (WPG), Zac Jones (NYR), Raphael Lavoie (EDM),‍ and Samuel ‍Poulin (PIT) ‍might become available via waivers if circumstances align.

For a team in the ​midst of a rebuild eager to ⁢give younger talent a chance,⁤ this year’s waiver‌ pool could prove to⁤ be‌ particularly captivating. Moreover, history suggests that surprises ‍are⁣ often​ in store during this process.

Regardless⁣ of how ​training camp battles unfold, the Penguins are likely to place a​ few quite interesting players on the waiver wire. Only Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, and Vasily Ponomarev are⁤ waiver-exempt among Pittsburgh’s young‍ players on the cusp of the lineup. Consequently, any of​ Poulin, Valtteri Puustinen,‌ Cody Glass, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Emil Bemstrom would need‍ to ⁣be made available to the league ‍as a waiver claim if cut from the NHL roster‍ in Pittsburgh. Unless there ⁣are injuries or trades, it’s​ anticipated that there ​won’t be room⁢ for several of those aforementioned names.

As mentioned earlier, Poulin is likely to be the most⁣ enticing ​option around the ⁢league. ‍A former⁤ first-round pick, he has not truly had‌ the chance ⁤to showcase his skills in the NHL, having played only six games throughout his career due to development setbacks and a couple of poorly ‍timed injuries. He exemplifies the purpose ⁢of waivers, providing a relatively young player ‌with considerable upside⁤ the opportunity to transition to a new team.

The⁤ contract he signed could also play a crucial role in helping Pittsburgh​ retain Poulin if he⁤ goes through waivers. Starting in the 2024-25 season, Poulin will⁣ be⁢ on a two-year, one-way contract that guarantees him a⁢ full ⁣NHL⁢ salary of $775,000⁢ for both years, regardless of his league ⁢status. This means that⁣ any team acquiring⁤ him must be prepared ‍to ⁤absorb a total salary of $1.55 million, ‍should he fail to secure a position in the NHL​ and not get ⁢claimed by another‌ team.

For a large market team like ⁣Montreal, this scenario would be easily⁢ manageable, as they could pay an NHL salary ⁤in the ‍AHL if necessary. Conversely, budget-conscious teams‍ like Anaheim or Columbus might view a two-year commitment differently and opt for a⁢ more cost-effective alternative.

The Penguins may ‌also seek ways to avoid‌ waiving Poulin, especially if they suspect he would be claimed. With adequate cap space ⁣available, the team could afford ‍to keep a 14th healthy forward this season, a luxury that is not usually possible for the typically cap-strapped Penguins. This would be a sensible approach, provided Poulin’s‌ performance in training camp warrants such a decision.

Moreover, in recent years, it has become increasingly common for players claimed off waivers to find themselves ⁢back on the‌ market within the same season. A notable example is Calgary’s brief acquisition of⁣ Radim Zohorna in the fall of ⁢2022, only to re-waive ⁤him weeks ⁣later. Similarly, Matthew Phillips experienced a quick return to the Capitals’ organization after toggling between Washington and Pittsburgh last year. ⁣Even if Poulin were to ⁣be waived and subsequently ⁢claimed, the chances of the Penguins regaining him could be reasonably strong if desired.

While the waiver wire may not be the primary focus during training camp, overall ⁤team⁢ management will provide plenty of intriguing developments to observe.

The ⁣Penguins⁣ have:

• Numerous returning​ players from last season’s roster, including ⁣Lars Eller, Noel Acciari, Puustinen,⁢ Bemstrom, and Puljujarvi, though only the first two (or maybe three) appear to have guaranteed spots.
• An influx of new forwards likely ⁤to make the team, including ‌Blake Lizotte, ⁣Kevin Hayes,⁤ and⁤ Anthony Beauvillier.
• A top⁤ prospect in McGroarty, who is likely to join the NHL roster sooner rather than later,‍ potentially right from the beginning.
• An unspecified ‌plan and positioning for ‌newcomer Glass.
• AHL players in Poulin and Ponomarev who are viewed positively.
• And⁣ let’s not overlook the injured but rehabilitating Matt Nieto.

This creates a complex situation‌ to navigate, likely resulting in a surplus‌ of players compared to available roster spots when training ⁤camp concludes. While ⁣the talent may not be staggering, the volume certainly is.

Should Poulin enter the waiver wire, he’ll undoubtedly attract attention across the league, with some teams contemplating a​ claim. ⁣How⁣ the Penguins manage this scenario, assuming they deem⁤ it necessary, will be yet another consideration in shaping the team post-camp.