The deadline for NHL teams to place players on waivers has come and gone, with numerous interesting names now available for claiming. This raises the question of whether the Pittsburgh Penguins should consider picking up one of these players.
The Penguins decided to waive five of their own players on Sunday, leaving room for potential adjustments to their final roster, as coach Mike Sullivan hinted. Among the players available, one standout option is the experienced goaltender Martin Jones.
Jones, a former San Jose Sharks goalie who played a crucial role in their 2016 Stanley Cup Final run, showcased his skills in the preseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Given the shortage of experienced NHL netminders on several teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning due to Andrei Vasilevskiy’s injury, Jones could be a hot commodity.
The Montreal Canadiens have placed Joel Armia on waivers, offering a veteran forward with 439 NHL games under his belt. Armia contributed 14 points in 46 games last season and could provide valuable penalty killing and bottom-six support to a team in need. However, the Penguins may face salary cap constraints if they wish to claim Armia, making a trade scenario unlikely.
Two offensive talents have also hit the waiver wire. Grigori Denisenko, a Russian winger, was claimed by the Vegas Golden Knights from the Florida Panthers, but their roster is already well-stocked. Raphael Lavoie, a 2019 second-round pick for the Edmonton Oilers, is known for his offensive prowess and size. While Lavoie needs to improve his defensive game, players with his offensive skillset can secure NHL careers with the right development.
Several other recognizable names have also been placed on waivers, including Jack Studnicka, Zach Bogosian, and Zach Aston-Reese, who could pique the interest of various teams.
The NHL waiver wire is buzzing with talent, and it remains to be seen if the Penguins will make a move to strengthen their roster.
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