Nico Daws & More Placed on Waivers, 5 Devils Skaters Clear

Daws is a clear notable here; he’s played 52 NHL games and certainly impressed at times. But with Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen in the mix, he fell out of favor and needs waivers to be sent down.

While there was no room for Saturday’s five waivers players to make the team out of camp, that does not mean they lack talent or skill. Crookshank had 40 points in 62 AHL games last season and has impressive speed. Bordeleau, a former second-round pick, showed flashes of NHL success in 2023-24 and has similarly been a great point producer in the AHL.

Halonen, arguably the most notable name on Saturday, has been one of the Devils’ best AHL goal scorers for a few seasons now and has a wicked one-timer that many argue deserves an extended NHL look. MacEwen was just recently acquired by the Devils for Kurtis MacDermid, and has played 237 career NHL games, primarily filling an enforcer role.

Lastly, White has played 84 career NHL games and is a solid depth defenseman in the event of needing an emergency call-up.

Now, it’s important to note that there is a veteran limit in the AHL, meaning “a gameday lineup can feature a maximum of six skaters who have played in over 260 professional games”. With some veterans already being rostered in Utica, it’s very possible that one or more of these players, despite clearing, will eventually get traded/released so they don’t have to sit out.

Still, the Devils’ overall depth (and outlook for the Comets) are both much improved in knowing that these players have cleared waivers and remain in the organization. The Devils will open their season on Thursday, Oct. 9 on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Comets will get started Friday, Oct. 10 at home against the Cleveland Monsters.