Waiver Options

Waivers can be a great way to acquire depth for a team. Costing only roster space and money, however most players sent on waivers in the NHL clear without getting claimed. That being said, there are two players on waivers today that might raise some GM's eyebrows..

Reid Boucher -New Jersey Devils
Age: 23
Position: LW, Left Shot
Drafted: 4th Round, 99th Overall
Contract: $715K, 1 year remaining
NHL Totals: 85 GP, 30 pts (12 goals, 18 assists)
Comment: This season Boucher was initially put on waivers by the Devils and was claimed by Nashville. Nashville then proceeded to put him on waivers and the Devils claimed him again only to put him back on waivers.

Ty Rattie -St. Louis Blues
Age: 23
Position: RW, Right Shot
Drafted: 2nd Round, 32nd Overall
Contract: $650K, 1 year remaining
NHL Totals: 30 GP, 8 pts (4 goals, 4 assists)
Comment: Rattie has spent most his time with the Blues minor team the Chicago Wolves where he has put up decent numbers (3 40-50 point seasons)


Conclusion: Will the Oilers make a claim?
My thoughts would leave me to believe that the Oiler pass on both these players. Even though both are young, cheap, have 1 year left and could fill depth role, I don't believe these are Chiarelli type players. And the team would rather utilize players already in the system such as Lander (who was just called up) Khaira and Slepyshev. Also the Oilers are at 48 of 50 maximum contracts. However if a goalie was put on waivers that could fill a backup role better than "The Monster" and for cheaper than Halak,  I could see the Oilers putting in a Waiver claim then.



Matt Chartrand 
Writer-OILERS INSIDERS