Calgary Flames blueliner Jordan Oesterle clears waivers

Clearing waivers allows Oesterle some freedom of mobility between the NHL and AHL until he’s spent 30 days on the NHL roster, though that flexibility is muted somewhat by the roster restrictions in both leagues following the trade deadline.

Oesterle, 31, is a left shot defender on a one year deal with the Flames worth $925,000. He’s been on the sidelines for much of the season, suiting up for just 22 NHL games and 12 AHL games. In 371 NHL games with Edmonton, Arizona, Detroit and Calgary, Oesterle has 19 goals and 86 points.

With Oesterle clearing, he seems like a good bet to head to the AHL (even if just temporarily). Aside from Oesterle, the Flames are carrying seven NHL defenders: MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson, Brayden Pachal, Oliver Kylington, Dennis Gilbert, Joel Hanley and Daniil Miromanov.

With Oesterle clearing, the Flames have four players that could potentially be assigned down to the AHL prior to the trade deadline in order to keep them eligible to play in the AHL’s post-season. In addition to Oesterle, Jakob Pelletier and Matt Coronato are waiver exempt entirely this season, while Walker Duehr has exemption time left after clearing waivers back mid-January.