Dozens of players hit waivers as NHL rosters take shape
NHL clubs placed 71 players on waivers Sunday as teams reduced rosters before the 2026-27 season begins Sept. 29. The group included experienced goaltenders such as David Rittich, Dylan Garand, Laurent Brossoit and Vitek Vanecek, along with skaters like Henri Jokiharju and Tyler Boucher. Montreal accounted for nine of the players on the list.
NHL teams trimmed rosters ahead of the 2026-27 opener on Sept. 29, with 71 players placed on waivers Sunday. The group featured veteran or promising goaltenders, including David Rittich, Dylan Garand, Laurent Brossoit, and Vitek Vanecek, plus skaters such as Henri Jokiharju and Tyler Boucher.
Montreal accounted for nine of the waived players, among them Kaapo Kahkonen and Maksymillian Szuber. Claims must be submitted by Monday. The previous day, 18 players were waived; Remi Poirier moved from Dallas to New Jersey and Justin Barron from Nashville to St. Louis, while the others cleared and could be sent to the AHL.
The waiver wave may affect players and their families through sudden relocation or uncertainty, while AHL clubs could gain experienced depth. Fans and local communities may see roster changes alter team identity and ticket interest. For teams, claiming a goalie or skater could address injuries or performance gaps, but it may also push another player down the depth chart. The broader impact is likely limited outside hockey, though it shapes livelihoods and fan engagement.