Five players on waivers as NHL season approaches
Five NHL players are available on waivers after being placed by their teams ahead of the new season.
Quick answers
Which players were placed on waivers by the Seattle Kraken and Chicago Blackhawks?
The Seattle Kraken placed forwards John Hayden, Logan Morrison, Jon-Randall Avon, and goaltender Victor Ostman on waivers. The Chicago Blackhawks placed defenseman Derrick Pouliot on waivers, making all five players available to the rest of the NHL.
What are the next steps for the players placed on waivers?
The players placed on waivers will be available for any of the other 31 NHL teams to claim. If unclaimed, they will report to their respective AHL teams, continuing their careers in the minor leagues.
Five players hit the waiver wire
As NHL teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season, five players were recently placed on waivers. The Seattle Kraken notably placed forwards John Hayden, Logan Morrison, Jon-Randall Avon, and goaltender Victor Ostman on waivers.
The Chicago Blackhawks joined the list, placing defenseman Derrick Pouliot on waivers. All five players are now available for claims by any of the league’s other 31 teams.
Player profiles and performance
John Hayden, the most experienced player among those waived, is 31 years old and spent last season with the Kraken. He recorded a scoreless three games in the NHL before contributing 24 points in 67 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL.
Logan Morrison, 24, had a productive AHL season, racking up 61 points over 68 games. His NHL experience is limited to four games last season where he was held scoreless.
Jon-Randall Avon, 23, also played for the Firebirds, logging 24 points in 45 games last year. Victor Ostman, the goaltender placed on waivers, allowed two goals in his lone NHL game last season, while posting a .906 save percentage in the AHL.
At 32, Derrick Pouliot had two goals and 32 assists in 68 AHL games last season. The former top-10 draft pick’s professional journey includes stints with seven different NHL teams.
Implications for the NHL landscape
The waiver process reveals the delicate balance teams maintain in roster management. With the regular season approaching, these decisions illustrate the competitive nature of securing a spot on an NHL roster.
Players like Hayden, who have considerable NHL experience, may attract attention from teams needing depth. Meanwhile, younger players like Morrison and Avon have demonstrated potential in the AHL and could be developmental prospects for NHL franchises.
For related context, see NHL starting-goalie status and NHL trade coverage.
Reporting for this story draws on Daily Faceoff, Pro Hockey Rumors.
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