NHL Players Available To Montreal Canadiens On Waivers, Oct 2

Depending on how the Montreal Canadiens decide to construct their 2024-25 lineup, there’s a legitimate possibility they will once again look to waivers to find a player that may help in the short term.

In special cases, such as Paul Byron, the player will end up doing more than just plugging a hole, but expecting to find high-end talent on the waiver wire is not a realistic approach. More than anything, the Canadiens would be looking for depth options, as they did when they claimed Johnathan Kovacevic. This would give some of the younger players in the organization that need as much ice time as possible an opportunity to develop in a league other than the NHL, the best approach when it comes to key prospects.

As much as fans want to see younger players in the lineup, relegating them to the press box for half the games, while using them sparingly in the other half, is far from a logical development plan.

It’s also worth noting the Canadiens are in no rush to give their top prospects a baptism by fire, unless, that is, the prospect is called Lane Hutson, and he has already dominated at every level. But for the most part, the slow cooker approach is the best bet for players who are on the cusp of being ready for the NHL.

NHL Players On Waivers, October 2, 2024

Carolina Hurricanes: Luke Martin, Defenceman.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Trey Fix-Wolansky, Right Wing.

Colorado Avalanche: Jack Ahcan, Defenceman. Matthew Phillips, Right Wing. Call Rosen, Defenceman.

New York Rangers: Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Centre.

Philadelphia Flyers: Cal Petersen, Goaltender.

Pittsburgh Pegnuins: Jimmy Huntington, Centre. Marc Johnstone, Right Wing. Mac Hollowell, Defence.

San Jose Sharks: Andrew Poturalski, Centre. Scott Sabourin, Right Wing.

Waiver Options For The Montreal Canadiens

Once again, we’re left with very few players who can move the needle for the Habs, even in a depth situation. As we approach the start of the 2024-25 regular season, the overall talent level available on waivers should increase, as some teams try to sneak players through waivers as late as possible, In those cases, teams are banking on other clubs not having a roster spot available, thus mitigating the risk they’ll be claimed.