Waivers are often referred to as the place where NHL fans’ former hopes and dreams go to die, a gloomy graveyard for players who once held promise but have fallen out of favor with their teams. It’s a harsh reality of the NHL business, but for some players, waivers can also represent a second chance at making an impact in the league.
In the world of professional hockey, hitting waivers can be a make-or-break moment for a player’s career. It’s a time when teams have the opportunity to claim a player who, for whatever reason, hasn’t been able to secure a full-time spot on their current roster. It’s a time of uncertainty, but also of hope, as players look to find a new home where they can showcase their skills and prove their worth.
Today, we shine a spotlight on several players who could potentially hit waivers and attract the attention of NHL teams. These are young players with potential upside, players who have yet to fully realize their talent but who could thrive in the right environment.
“Phillips has played games in each of the last three seasons with Chicago,” noted one hockey scout. “I think he does have a lot of NHL traits. He’s big, moves well and plays hard. There could be a spot as a depth defenseman for him in an organization if he doesn’t make Chicago.”
Similarly, Johansson has caught the eye of scouts and Red Wings personnel for his skating ability and vision on the ice. However, he has struggled to carve out a consistent role in Detroit, leaving his NHL future uncertain.
Robertson, on the other hand, has faced stiff competition on the Rangers’ blue line, but has shown potential in the AHL. His size and mobility make him a valuable asset, and with the right opportunity, he could blossom into a solid defenseman at the NHL level.
Pelletier’s development was derailed by a shoulder injury last season, but the young forward still has plenty of potential. With his offensive vision and competitive spirit, there’s a chance he could become a top-nine forward in the future.
Åman, a defensive-minded center for the Canucks, has impressed with his reliability and defensive play. If he can improve on faceoffs and penalty killing, he could become a valuable asset for any team in need of a defensive specialist.
Timmins, while showing flashes of potential in Toronto, has struggled with injuries and defensive lapses. If he can stay healthy and shore up his defensive game, he could earn a permanent spot on an NHL roster.
Wahlstrom, a talented forward with a lethal shot, has yet to find his footing in the NHL. With his skill set and experience, he could provide valuable scoring depth for a team willing to take a chance on him.
Tomasino, a promising prospect for the Predators, is unlikely to hit waivers, but if he does, he’s sure to garner plenty of interest from teams looking to add young talent to their roster.
And finally, Suzuki, a skilled playmaking center, has struggled with injuries but has the potential to break out as a late bloomer in the NHL. With improved health and consistency, he could become a key player for his team.
In the unpredictable world of hockey waivers, these players represent both risk and reward. It remains to be seen which of them will find success in the NHL, but one thing is certain: the waiver wire is a place where dreams can be made or broken in an instant.
