As the NHL season approaches, the anticipation around rosters and lineups intensifies. This year, teams were required to submit their cap-compliant rosters by Monday, October 7th, leading to a wave of waiver placements. While many players find themselves in limbo between AHL and NHL roles, a handful of names on this year’s waiver wire have raised eyebrows for various reasons. Below, we highlight the top 10 most notable players put on waivers and the implications of their status as they navigate this critical stage of their careers as well as their impact on NHL futures at NHL betting sites.
1. Pierre Engvall (New York Islanders)
Perhaps one of the most shocking names on the waiver wire is Pierre Engvall. The 28-year-old winger was placed on waivers despite signing a significant seven-year contract extension just a year ago. The contract, valued at $3 million per year, still has six years left, making his placement on waivers a surprising move for the Islanders.
Engvall’s profile as a speedy forward with size (standing 6-foot-5) and offensive potential (scoring 28 points last season) makes him an attractive option. However, due to the remaining term and value of his contract, it is unlikely that another team will claim him without negotiations, especially considering the Islanders can only bury $1.15 million of his salary if he clears waivers. His contract, coupled with a recent lackluster preseason performance, suggests the Islanders are looking to change their roster’s composition to find a more balanced lineup.
2. Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins)
Boston’s decision to waive Brandon Bussi and Jiri Patera indicates their commitment to their newly re-signed goalie Jeremy Swayman. The young goaltender inked an eight-year, $66 million deal, solidifying his place as the Bruins’ goaltender of the future. Swayman had a solid previous season, showcasing his elite goaltending ability. Given the Bruins’ decision to go all-in on Swayman, their move to waive other potential backup options shows confidence in their current goaltending depth and strategy.
3. Jakob Pelletier (Calgary Flames)
At just 24 years old, Pelletier has been on the radar of many NHL teams as a potential impact player. Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft, he has shown significant promise in the AHL as a point-per-game player. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have marred his development in Calgary.
His placement on waivers came as a surprise to many, as Pelletier could offer scoring depth and playmaking ability. For a team looking to inject young talent into their bottom-six forwards, he could be an enticing pickup, providing a chance to develop further in a new system.
4. Justin Holl (Detroit Red Wings)
Justin Holl, a former member of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defensive corps, signed a three-year, $10.2 million deal with the Red Wings just last offseason. Despite the investment, Holl’s underwhelming performance has led to his waiving. The defenseman, known for his size and shot-blocking ability, struggled to find his footing and meet the expectations of his new contract.
Although the Wings are likely hoping Holl clears waivers to remain within their organization, his experience and upside as a right-shot defender might prompt a team seeking defensive depth to take a chance on him.
5. Samuel Bolduc (New York Islanders)
The Islanders not only waived Engvall but also defenseman Samuel Bolduc, a young player who has shown glimpses of potential in his limited NHL experience. At 6-foot-4, Bolduc’s size and skating ability have given him a promising profile as a blueliner. While he has struggled at times to solidify a consistent role within the Islanders’ defensive lineup, he has the tools to develop into a reliable defenseman.
Given his young age and potential, Bolduc’s availability on waivers could be of interest to teams seeking to add defensive depth with long-term upside.
6. Erik Brannstrom (Vancouver Canucks)
Erik Brannstrom’s journey has been turbulent, culminating in his placement on waivers shortly after being traded to the Canucks. Once considered a promising prospect with Ottawa, Brannstrom never quite reached the heights expected of him. Standing at 5-foot-10, the left-shot defenseman has skill but lacks the size and defensive reliability that many teams desire in their blue line.
The Canucks, immediately waiving Brannstrom after acquiring him, indicates they may view him as expendable depth rather than a core piece. For other NHL teams, however, Brannstrom’s puck-moving ability and offensive potential might make him a low-risk acquisition.
7. Matt Murray (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Once considered a rising star goaltender with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Murray’s career trajectory has taken a downturn due to inconsistency and injuries. After moving to the Ottawa Senators and subsequently the Toronto Maple Leafs, Murray’s performance has fluctuated, leading to his placement on waivers.
While his waiver status reflects concerns about his ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level, Murray’s past success in the playoffs and experience could make him a reclamation project for a team looking for a proven goaltender.
8. Raphael Lavoie (Edmonton Oilers)
Edmonton’s decision to waive Raphael Lavoie comes as a surprise to those who have followed his development. The young forward has shown scoring touch and skill, but his placement on waivers indicates the Oilers’ preference for other players to fill their bottom-six roles. Given his offensive upside and potential to develop further, Lavoie might attract interest from teams in need of young, scoring depth.
9. Corey Schueneman (St. Louis Blues)
Schueneman is another young defenseman who has shown potential but has struggled to find a consistent role within the NHL. His placement on waivers comes as the Blues attempt to finalize their defensive lineup. Schueneman’s availability could intrigue teams looking for a defensively responsible, depth defenseman with the potential to develop into a more regular NHL presence.
10. Isaak Phillips (Chicago Blackhawks)
Phillips, a left-handed defenseman with the Blackhawks, has had flashes of strong play during his NHL stints but hasn’t been able to secure a permanent roster spot. Chicago’s decision to place him on waivers reflects their current depth and development strategy. However, with his young age and potential upside, Phillips is a candidate to be claimed by a team looking for long-term defensive depth.
All NHL Players Placed on a Waiver
And here is the complete list of all waivers for the 2024-2025 NHL Season.
Boston Bruins Waivers 2024-2025
F Patrick Brown
G Brandon Bussi
G Jiri Patera
D Billy Sweezey
F Jeffrey Viel
Buffalo Sabres Waivers 2024-2025
D Kale Clague
G James Reimer
F Lukas Rousek
Calgary Flames Waivers 2024-2025
G Devin Cooley
F Jakob Pelletier
F Cole Schwindt
Carolina Hurricanes Waivers 2024-2025
F Josiah Slavin
D Ty Smith
F Ryan Suzuki
Chicago Blackhawks Waivers 2024-2025
D Isaak Phillips
Detroit Red Wings Waivers 2024-2025
F Sheldon Dries
D Justin Holl
D William Lagesson
D Brogan Rafferty
F Joe Snively
Edmonton Oilers Waivers 2024-2025
D Josh Brown
F Drake Caggiula
F Raphael Lavoie
G Olivier Rodrigue
Los Angeles Kings Waivers 2024-2025
G Pheonix Copley
F Samuel Fagemo
F Jack Studnicka
Nashville Predators Waivers 2024-2025
D Marc Del Gaizo
New Jersey Devils Waivers 2024-2025
F Shane Bowers
D Nick DeSimone
F Nolan Foote
D Colton White
New York Islanders Waivers 2024-2025
D Samuel Bolduc
F Pierre Engvall
F Hudson Fasching
F Liam Foudy
G Marcus Hogberg
D Grant Hutton
F Fredrik Karlstrom
G Jakub Skarek
New York Rangers Waivers 2024-2025
D Matthew Robertson
Ottawa Senators Waivers 2024-2025
F Adam Gaudette
F Jan Jenik
Pittsburgh Penguins Waivers 2024-2025
D Sebastian Aho
F Bokondji Imama
St. Louis Blues Waivers 2024-2025
D Corey Schueneman
D Tyler Tucker
Tampa Bay Lightning Waivers 2024-2025
F Gage Goncalves
D Steven Santini
F Jesse Ylonen
Toronto Maple Leafs Waivers 2024-2025
G Matt Murray
D Marshall Rifai
Utah Hockey Club Waivers 2024-2025
G Matt Villalta
Vancouver Canucks Waivers 2024-2025
D Erik Brannstrom
Vegas Golden Knights Waivers 2024-2025
F Zach Aston-Reese
F Tanner Laczynski
F Jonas Rondbjerg
Washington Capitals Waivers 2024-2025
G Hunter Shepard
Winnipeg Jets Waivers 2024-2025
F Jaret Anderson-Dolan
