Blues, Bruins claim players on waivers on Dec. 16

A couple of former prospects are packing their bags.

On Tuesday, the St. Louis Blues claimed forward Jonatan Berggren off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. The Boston Bruins also grabbed defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok from the Dallas Stars.

Berggren was originally taken by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft. He was projected to bring a level of playmaking and scoring touch that could help lead Detroit into the future. However, whether it be differences in belief about his role in the organization or a lack of execution by the player, the 25-year-old never found his footing with the team that is trying to close in on its first playoff berth in almost a decade.

After posting 24 points in 75 games last season, Berggren has netted just two goals and four assists for six points in his first 15 appearances this year. He last saw his name in the lineup last Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers. For a Blues team that is trying to stay in the postseason hunt, the Uppsala, Sweden native could provide secondary scoring in St. Louis.

In 169 NHL contests, Berggren has posted 31 goals and 33 assists for 64 points. Berggren is on a one-year contract with the Red Wings, carrying a $1.825 million cap hit.

Kolyachonok comes to a Bruins team that is without a couple of defenders. Henri Jokiharju has been on injured reserve since last month, while Jonathan Aspirot was ruled out of Tuesday night’s matchup against the Utah Mammoth.

Kolyachonok has played in just 11 games this season, scoring a goal and two assists for three points. The Belarusian blueliner has a plus/minus of +3 while averaging 12:37 of ice time. He’s in the final season of a two-year, two-way contract he signed with the Utah Mammoth in June 2024. The deal carries a cap hit of $775,000.

In 85 career NHL appearances, the 24-year-old has five goals and 12 assists for 17 points.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit was the only one of three players placed on the wire on Monday to clear. He’s now eligible to be assigned to the Hawks’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.