The Pittsburgh Penguins are unlikely to make moves on waivers to strengthen their roster, thanks to their considerable depth. However, with four players recently placed on injured reserve, along with uncertainties surrounding Bryan Rust and Andrei Kuzmenko’s start to the season, the waiver wire may now attract more attention than usual, especially because of the recent roster changes.
Currently, there are 71 players available on waivers, with claims due to be announced today at 2 p.m. Eastern. NHL teams often use waivers to briefly address roster issues, and it’s common for players claimed early in the season to be waived again later, typically to make room for injured players returning. The Penguins have already utilized most of their 50 pro contracts, leaving room to add one more player through waivers if necessary.
Some interesting candidates currently on waivers include:
Colin Blackwell (Dallas Stars): A quick, gritty fourth-line player with strong defensive skills, Blackwell is known for his penalty-killing ability and physical presence. While he doesn’t produce much offensively, his defensive metrics are solid, making him a potential short-term option for PK help, especially since the Penguins lack a right-handed center, which Blackwell could provide.
Sam Lafferty (Florida Panthers): Standing 6-foot-2 and known for his speed and physicality, Lafferty could serve as a fourth-line winger or emergency center. However, his offensive contribution is minimal, and he doesn’t excel on the penalty kill—though his experience and energy could be useful if Pittsburgh’s injured players aren’t returning soon.
John Beecher (Florida Panthers): A large and fast center, Beecher’s game isn’t focused on scoring but on his skating and competitive nature. The Penguins favor their internal options like Soderblom and Hallander over him, but he could serve as a depth option if needed.
Dylan Garand (New York Rangers): A talented but inconsistent goalie, Garand has the technical skills for the NHL but is smaller than ideal for the position. With limited NHL experience, he might serve as a third goaltender for a team seeking affordable depth, though the Penguins are currently comfortable with their goaltending situation.
While these options are available, the Penguins might choose to hold off on making a move, especially if Bryan Rust, who was practicing, is expected to return soon. The strategic decision will depend on how quickly their injured players recover and how the team plans to manage their roster during this injury respite.
Fan Take: This waiver situation underscores how quickly roster needs can shift in the NHL, and it highlights the league’s depth-churning nature that keeps fans on their toes. For hockey enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that even established teams are continually adjusting, keeping the sport unpredictable and exciting throughout the season.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
