NHL Waiver Wire Busy Before Trade Deadline

NHL Waiver Wire Full of Activity Before Trade Deadline

Nashville General Manager Barry Trotz was busiest making a pair of claims prior to the deadline. The Predators claimed both Jakub Vrana and Jorden Oesterle on the day before the deadline. Vrana had been a member of the Washington Capitals while Oesterle was claimed from the Boston Bruins.

The Blue Jackets also claimed a player when it got Christian Fischer from the Detroit Red Wings. Fischer had been with the Arizona Coyotes and Detroit in his career.

The biggest name to go on waivers is veteran enforcer Ryan Reaves. Toronto has put the veteran on waivers in anticipation of the trade deadline. Reaves currently makes $1.35 million for this season and next.

Florida’s newly-acquired forward Jesse Puljujarvi has cleared waivers. He recently signed with the Panthers after skating with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

What it Means

Nashville is trying to find the right pieces to at least finish the season on a strong note. Both Vrana and Oesterle could be depth pieces for Nashville.

Claiming Fischer is another depth addition for Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell, who has quickly remade this roster. Fischer can possible provide some cover for the Jackets.

Putting Reaves on waivers might be a chance for Toronto to get his cap hit off the books. If he goes unclaimed, his salary could be buried in the AHL.

Puljujarvi could provide some forward depth at a low cost for the defending champions. Florida got the Finn at a prorated cost of $775,000. This could be a low-risk deal for the Panthers.