The Chicago Blackhawks placed Brandon Pirri on waivers, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. The veteran forward played in just one of the team’s games so far and did not record a point.
Pirri, 29, has traveled all over the NHL through his playing career, starting in Chicago during the 2010-11 season and visiting Florida, Anaheim, New York and Vegas before returning to the Blackhawks this offseason. Always known for his goal-scoring ability, he failed to record a single tally in 16 games with the Golden Knights last season.
Now with the Blackhawks navigating a tricky salary cap situation, he finds himself at risk of selection by the rest of the league. Chicago is currently using three goaltenders on the active roster, but both Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban would need to clear waivers in order to be assigned to the taxi squad. Given how many netminders have been claimed in recent days, it seems prudent to avoid placing either of them there for the time being. Should Pirri clear, he could be moved to the taxi squad instead, clearing a roster spot.
There is a chance of a claim, but it does seem unlikely even though Pirri is only owed $775K this season.
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