NHL Waiver Gems: Preseason’s Top Players on the Wire Worth Targeting

When it comes to NHL waiver claims, they can be hit-or-miss in terms of delivering value at the big-league level. However, every now and then, hidden gems emerge.

Last season, we saw some of the best waiver claims in the form of Juuso Valimaki, Josh Mahura, and Eeli Tolvanen. Valimaki, a 2017 No. 16 draft pick for the Flames, overcame injury setbacks and made an impact with 34 points, providing the Coyotes with solid top-four minutes. Mahura, waived by the Ducks, became a valuable contributor on the Panthers’ third defensive pair, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final. Tolvanen, after spending several years with the Predators, joined the Kraken and notched 16 goals and 27 points in just 48 games.

Heading into the 2023-24 season, the waiver cycle has been somewhat different, with teams being more proactive in making cuts. Several intriguing players have already been claimed by new teams, including Samuel Fagemo (Kings to Predators), Jansen Harkins (Jets to Penguins), Lassi Thomson (Senators to Ducks), Ty Emberson (Rangers to Sharks), and Spencer Martin (Canucks to Blue Jackets).

On Friday, a total of 42 players were waived. While none of them are expected to be game-changers, they still offer potential as depth options in the NHL. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the standout players from that list.

Allison: At 25 years old, Allison brings an intriguing package for an energy role on a bottom-six line. He possesses size, tenacity, physicality (finishing second in hits for the Flyers last season), and has shown glimpses of scoring ability with 13 goals in 75 NHL games. However, injuries have hampered his progress, preventing him from establishing himself in Philadelphia.

Denisenko: Once considered a top prospect in the league as a teenager, Denisenko’s development has stagnated in recent years. While his size and consistency are concerns, his skating, skill, and vision could still attract teams. Some may believe that given the right opportunity, he could follow in the footsteps of Owen Tippett, who found success with the Flyers last season.

Aubé-Kubel: The Capitals re-signed Aubé-Kubel to a one-year, $1.225 million extension in March, indicating their faith in him as a potential everyday NHL contributor. However, he has faced tough competition during camp, and his penchant for penalties has not helped his case. Nevertheless, his strong forechecking ability and 222 games of NHL experience make him a viable option for a fourth-line role, despite his higher salary.

McIsaac: Selected as the No. 36 pick by the Red Wings in 2018, McIsaac is a mobile defenseman with decent size and puck-moving skills. While he has been an all-situations player in the AHL, his defined role in the NHL remains a question mark. He may not be an overly physical or offensive dynamo, but he could provide valuable depth for a struggling team in need of defensive support.

Salo: Salo is a skilled and intelligent puck-moving defenseman, boasting nine points in 33 NHL games over two seasons with the Islanders. However, scouts have expressed concerns about his defensive abilities. With average size and below-average skating, it’s uncertain if he can handle NHL forwards on a regular basis unless his offensive production reaches elite levels. Despite this, his potential upside may make him worth the risk for a team willing to give him consistent playing time.

Jones: Due to the Hurricanes’ surplus of defensemen, Jones, a 26-year-old left shot with 217 NHL games under his belt, became available for waivers. Although he struggled in a larger role with the Blackhawks last season, averaging 19:13 minutes per game, a more sheltered depth position with stronger support could allow him to provide serviceable minutes as a depth defenseman.

Honorable mentions:

Jacob Peterson: After being traded to the Sharks, Peterson made a strong impression with eight points in 11 games. Although he has only played 77 career games, he has managed to score 14 goals, showing promise as a forward. However, his performance in training camp and preseason has been lackluster.

Oskar Lindblom: Lindblom’s NHL future seemed bright until he was diagnosed with cancer in late 2019, derailing his progress. Fortunately, he successfully overcame the illness and has been a consistent NHL player for the past three years. However, his production was limited to just 15 points in 73 games after signing with the Sharks last season, making his $2.5 million salary a potential deterrent for teams considering a claim.

Hunter Shepard (G, Washington Capitals): Despite an impressive performance in the AHL last season, guiding the Hershey Bears to a Calder Cup win, Shepard, at 27 years old, has yet to gain NHL experience. While talented, he may not be an immediate option for teams looking for goaltending depth.

(Photo of Wade Allison: Eric Hartline / USA Today)