17 NHL Players Placed on Waivers: October 4 Updates on Key Movements and Roster Changes

NHL Roster Shakeup: Prominent Players Hit Waivers

Several National Hockey League players found themselves on waivers Saturday, triggering a period were other teams could claim their contracts. The list includes established veterans and up-and-coming players, possibly altering team dynamics across the league.

Pittsburgh Penguins‘ Ryan Graves Available

Among the moast notable names is Ryan Graves, a defenseman from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 30-year-old is entering the third year of a six-year contract, but saw limited ice time last season, appearing in only 61 games. he recorded just one goal and three assists. Should Graves clear waivers, his $3.35 million cap hit would be reduced,making him an attractive option for teams seeking defensive depth.

New Jersey Devils Place Zack MacEwen on Waivers

Forward Zack MacEwen, recently acquired by the New Jersey Devils in a trade with the Ottawa Senators, has also been placed on waivers. MacEwen is a physical presence known for his toughness, having accumulated 323 penalty minutes in 237 NHL games. He has a cap hit of $775,000.

Sharks Waive Former Senator, Colin White

The San Jose Sharks have waived forward Colin White, who spent last season primarily with their American Hockey league affiliate. White has a notable track record, having accumulated 44 goals and 71 assists in 345 NHL games. This move suggests the Sharks are re-evaluating their forward depth.

Complete List of Players on Waivers

Here’s a extensive list of players placed on waivers on Saturday:

Team	Player
Dallas Stars	Cameron Hughes, Vladislav Kolyachonok
Florida Panthers	Tobias Bjornfot, Brandon Bus
New Jersey Devils	Thomas Bordeleau, Angus Crookshank, Brian Halonen, Zack MacEwen, colton White
Philadelphia Flyers	Dennis Gilbert
Pittsburgh Penguins	Alexander alexeyev, Ryan Graves, Rafael Harvey-Pinard, bokondji Imama, Samuel Poulin
San Jose Sharks	Colin white
Utah Mammoth	Cameron Hebig

Notably, all 12 players placed on waivers Friday successfully cleared, allowing them to join their respective American Hockey League teams.

Understanding the NHL Waiver process

The NHL waiver process is a crucial element of roster management. When a player is placed on waivers, all other teams have 24 hours to submit a claim. Claims are awarded based on inverse order of the claiming team’s overall league standings-the team with the worst record gets first priority. This system is designed to help teams improve their rosters and create competitive balance across the league. A team acquiring a player on waivers assumes the player’s full contract.

Did you Know? The waiver process isn’t just about acquiring talent. Its a strategic tool for managing a team’s salary cap, as claiming a player also means taking on their contract.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on waiver wire activity during the early stages of the season as teams finalize their rosters and adjust to player performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About NHL Waivers

• What happens if a player clears waivers? If a player clears waivers, the original team can either assign them to their American hockey League affiliate or, in some cases, mutually agree to terminate their contract.
• Why do teams place players on waivers? Teams may place players on waivers to shed salary, create roster space, or because a player is not fitting into their team’s plans.
• What is a waiver claim? A waiver claim is an attempt by another team to acquire a player who has been placed on waivers, assuming their contract.
• How does the waiver order work? The waiver order is based on the inverse standings of NHL teams-the team with the fewest points has the highest priority.
• Can a team retract a waiver claim? No, once a team submits a waiver claim, it is indeed binding if the claim is triumphant.

What impact do you think these waiver moves will have on the teams involved? And will Ryan Graves find a new home through the waiver process?

What impact could these waiver claims have on the claiming teams’ bottom-six forward lines?

The NHL saw a meaningful flurry of activity on October 4th, with a substantial 17 players being placed on waivers.This signals early-season roster adjustments as teams finalize their lineups ahead of a demanding schedule. Understanding these moves – and the potential implications for player availability and team dynamics – is crucial for hockey fans, fantasy players, and those following NHL news. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the waiver claims and what they mean.

Waiver Wire Movement: A Comprehensive List

The waiver process allows teams to claim players placed on waivers by other organizations. This is often used to shed salary, create roster space, or address specific team needs.Here’s a list of the players involved, as of October 4th, 2025:

* Cal Clutterbuck (CHI): Veteran forward seeking a new chance.

* Zack Smith (SJS): Experienced center, potential depth addition.

* Michael Amadio (MTL): forward with offensive upside.

* dylan Strome (PHI): Center, previously a key offensive contributor.

* kevin Rooney (NYR): Defensive forward, known for penalty killing.

* Brett Ritchie (CLG): Power forward, physical presence.

* Nic Dowd (WSH): Reliable two-way center.

* Blake Coleman (EDM): Speedy winger, potential scoring threat.

* Justin Braun (SEA): Veteran defenseman, solid stay-at-home player.

* Radko Gudas (FLA): Physical defenseman, known for hitting.

* Scott Laughton (PHI): Versatile forward, can play multiple positions.

* Andrew Copp (DET): Two-way forward, valuable on special teams.

* Conor Sheary (LAK): Skilled winger, offensive capabilities.

* Derek Forbort (NSH): Defensive defenseman, physical presence.

* Chris Tierney (VGK): center, reliable in defensive situations.

* Joel Edmundson (CAR): Defensive defenseman, physical player.

* Jack McBain (MIN): Young forward,looking for consistent NHL role.

Analyzing the Key Players and Potential Impacts

Several of these players represent significant potential additions for teams looking to bolster their rosters. Let’s dive deeper into a few key names:

Dylan Strome (PHI) – A potential Steal?

Strome’s placement on waivers is arguably the most surprising. Previously a consistent point producer, his availability presents a valuable opportunity for a team needing offensive support at center. Teams with cap space and a need for a skilled playmaker will likely be vying for his services. This is a prime example of how NHL roster changes can create unexpected opportunities.

Blake Coleman (EDM) – Speed and Scoring Potential

Coleman’s speed and offensive instincts make him an attractive target. he’s a proven goal scorer and could provide a significant boost to a team’s top-six forward group. His availability highlights the competitive nature of the NHL free agency landscape,even mid-season.

Radko gudas (FLA) – Physicality and Defensive Strength

Gudas is a known commodity – a physical, hard-hitting defenseman who excels at shutting down opposing forwards. Teams prioritizing defensive stability will see him as a valuable asset. His presence can considerably impact a team’s defensive strategy.

Understanding the Waiver Claim Process

The waiver process isn’t simply first-come, first-served. Here’s how it works:

1. placement: A team places a player on waivers,making them available to all other NHL teams.
2. Claim Order: Teams claim players in reverse order of their standings from the previous season. this means the team with the worst record has the first opportunity to claim a player.
3. Claim Resolution: If multiple teams claim a player, the team with the worst record gets priority.
4. Waiver Clearance: If no team claims a player, they are assigned to their original team’s AHL affiliate (if eligible) or become a free agent.

This system is designed to promote competitive balance and give struggling teams a chance to improve their rosters. It’s a critical component of NHL player movement.

Fantasy Hockey Implications: Players to Watch

For fantasy hockey enthusiasts,these waiver moves present both opportunities and challenges.

* Potential value Picks: Keep a close eye on Strome and Coleman. A change of scenery could unlock their offensive potential.

* Defensive Additions: Gudas and Braun could provide a boost in blocked shots and hits.

* **Monitor Line Combin