Large Waiver Wave Hits NHL Before Roster Deadline
Twenty-two NHL teams placed 71 players on waivers Sunday before Monday's Opening Night roster deadline. Notable names included Ville Heinola, Alexander Holtz, Henri Jokiharju, Nick Perbix, and Ilya Lyubushkin. Eleven goalies were also waived, while Justin Barron and Remi Poirier were claimed by St. Louis and New Jersey.
Sunday’s waiver activity involved 22 clubs and 71 players, arriving before Monday’s 5 p.m. ET roster cutoff. Vegas exposed Ville Heinola and Alexander Holtz, Boston waived Henri Jokiharju, and Nashville put Nick Perbix and Ilya Lyubushkin on the wire.
Eleven goaltenders were included, among them Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek. Montreal waived nine players, while Florida and Ottawa each waived eight. St. Louis claimed Justin Barron, and New Jersey claimed Remi Poirier. Perbix and Lyubushkin carry $2.75 million and $3.25 million cap hits, respectively.
The waiver wave could affect dozens of players and their families, who may face sudden relocation or AHL assignments. Fans and local markets might see roster turnover before opening night, while NHL clubs gain flexibility for trades or cap management. The moves may also shape minor-league affiliates and create short-term uncertainty for teammates and supporters.