NHL Rosters Being Finalized, Waiver-Wire Gets Interesting

NHL Rosters are Being Finalized as Teams Face Those Final Cuts in Training Camp. This About the Time of Year When Things Get Extremely Interesting on the Waiver-Wire as Prospects Beat Out Aging Veterans for Jobs

NHL rosters are being finalized as teams look to get down to that magic number of 23. The waiver-wire has begun to heat up over the past few days and we even saw our first waiver claim when Carolina snagged F Martin Frk from Detroit on Sunday.

Everyone that was waived yesterday (Sunday, Oct.9) has reportedly cleared, but there’s a brand new batch of players on Monday that could raise a few eyebrows. We wanted to explore of few of those surprising moves to help fans better understand what’s going on behind the scenes, and what it means for others vying for a roster spot.

*Before getting into things, it’s important to note that even though a player may find themselves on waivers prior to a new season, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re headed for the AHL. Banged up bodies tend to keep some of those final cuts around a little longer.

Decision Day: What the Waiver-Wire Tells Us

Before looking at those on waivers, we wanted to acknowledge a surprising player sent back to junior on Monday.

Alexandre Fortin was a stud performer for the Blackhawks during the preseason and some believed he had at least earned the opportunity to start the year in Chicago. Sounds as though he’s headed back to the QMJHL. Include Brandon Mashinter and Mark McNeill on waivers, that should open the door for Nick Schmaltz, Tyler Motte, or both to crack the opening night roster.

D Klas Dahlbeck/D Zbynek Michalek, Arizona Coyotes

With Dahlbeck and Michalek on waivers, it seems very likely that Arizona will only carry seven defensemen to start the year; presumably Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Alex Goligoski, Michael Stone, Connor Murphy, Jakob Chychrun, Luke Schenn, and Kevin Connauton. This can only mean that Stone, who was day-to-day and status uncertain for the opener, will, in fact, be healthy.

It should be a nine-game tryout to open the season for Chychrun. If he needs to return to junior, Dahlbeck or Michalek will be ready to step up (assuming both clear waivers).

F Seth Griffith/F Tyler Randell/F Tim Schaller, Boston Bruins

Perhaps it’s not overly surprising (although Boston could lose Griffith to another team), but it looks like 2015-16 Providence standout Auston Czarnik and former Denver University product Danton Heinen have the inside track to a roster spot. Well deserving for both of these gentlemen.

San Jose Getting a Backup?

Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Scott Wedgewood (31) in action against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Sharks can’t find a better second option than Aaron Dell on the waiver-wire today, shame on GM Doug Wilson. Names include Alex Stalock, Mike Condon, Scott Wedgewood, and Ondrej Pavelec. Take your pick San Jose – I’d suggest Condon or Wedgewood.

Pavelec is tempting as well considering he’s arguably the top talent of the group and has an expiring contract at the end of 2016-17 – unfortunately, he’s owed $4.75 million dollars in actual salary even though he carries a $3.9 million dollar cap hit.

F Anton Lander, Edmonton Oilers

This is hardly shocking, as we predicted, but it helps give us clarity to ensure that preseason standout Drake Caggiula gets an opportunity to start the year in Edmonton.

G Mike Condon, Montreal Canadiens

As most suspected, veteran backup Al Montoya beat out Mike Condon for the no.2 spot behind Carey Price. You have to wonder if any other team would be interested in claiming him given the way he emerged in 2015-16 – can’t exactly blame him for the Canadiens epic collapse.

F P.A. Parenteau, New York Islanders

More from Puck Prose

This might be one of those scenarios where a player is put on waivers, but still manages to start the year with the big club. Regardless of what happens, the news is intriguing.

Back in free agency, GM Garth Snow replaced Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, and Matt Martin with Andrew Ladd, P.A. Parenteau, and Jason Chimera. Fans and experts were giving praise to the Isles GM, calling Parenteau the signing of the summer in some circles.

This epitomizes everything that’s currently wrong with the organization.

Garth Snow continues to make questionable decisions and fans continue to hang on his every word and believe it. How many years can you allow your superstar center John Tavares to go without proper linemates? 2018 is just around the corner, which doesn’t leave much time to find a solution.

F Cory Conacher, F Erik Condra, F Joel Vermin, Tampa Bay Lightning

Well Lightning fans, this can only mean one thing, right? 20-year-old center Brayden Point looks to start the year in Tampa Bay. He’s coming off an impressive 88 points in 48 games with WHL Moose Jaw in 2015-16 and was also one of the few standouts for a disappointing Team Canada at the World Juniors with five points in five games. He might need top-six minutes though if it’s a nine-game tryout, which could make line combinations very interesting to open the season.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions for the Atlantic Division

Top 10 Most Likely to be Claimed off Waivers

1. G Scott Wedgewood, New Jersey Devils
2. D Klas Dahlbeck, Arizona Coyotes
3. G Mike Condon, Montreal Canadiens
4. F Brandon Mashinter, Chicago Blackhawks
5. F Seth Griffith, Boston Bruins
6. F Teemu Pulkkinen, Detroit Red Wings
7. F Anton Lander, Edmonton Oilers
8. F Paul Thompson, Florida Panthers
9. D Fredrik Claesson, Ottawa Senators
10. F Mark McNeill, Chicago Blackhawks

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