NHL Rosters: Cuts, Signings, & News

Well it’s one day before the new 2015-16 NHL season and the NHL rosters deadline for teams still looking to get down to 23 players is upon us.

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NHL rosters are near finalized for most teams, but here is a collaboration of all of Tuesday’s news & updates for those teams still looking to make final decisions.

Keep an eye out later tonight or tomorrow for an updated list on this years Calder Trophy candidates heading into the new regular season. We’ve got a few new underdogs that have managed to crack their team out of training camp.

Leafs claim Frank Carrado off waivers from Canucks

On Monday, the Vancouver Canucks placed D Frank Carrado on waivers. On Tuesday, it was announced that the Toronto Maple Leafs had claimed the 6’2 defenseman off waivers.

There was little chance Carrado would go unclaimed, calling into question what exactly Canucks management was thinking not making room for this young man on a questionable back-end at best.

The Maple Leafs in turn put Richard Panik on waivers to make room for Carrado. They also sent D Scott Harrington down to AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Devils send Zacha to minors, acquire O’Neill from Kings

On Tuesday, the New Jersey Devils announced that 2015 first round pick Pavel Zacha would be sent back to juniors. It was thought that Zacha might begin the season with the Devils, but looks as though fans will have to wait one more year.

The Devils also announced that they had acquired Brian O’Neill for the Los Angeles Kings. O’Neill was the AHL MVP last year while leading LA’s AHL affiliate in points. He had a very slim chance at cracking a deep Kings roster. He now gets a chance to be an everyday NHLer.

Avalanche keep Rantanen, Sign Jack Skille

In a bit of a surprise move Tuesday, the Colorado Avalanche announced they will keep 2015 first rounder Mikko Rantanen to begin the season. With the preseason he had, Rantanen could stick around for the full year.

The Avs also announced that they have signed ex-highly touted prospect Jack Skille for one-year after his PTO offer. In corresponding moves, Dennis Everberg was sent down to the AHL to help Colorado get down to 23 players.

Wild send Mike Reilly down to Iowa of the AHL

Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Mike Reilly (4) against the Buffalo Sabres at Xcel Energy Center. The Sabres defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Wild announced they had sent down D Mike Reilly to Iowa of the AHL.

The Wild also announced they had placed F Justin Fontaine on injured-reserve to begin the season.

The Wild also placed F Jordan Schroeder on waivers Tuesday, and also designated F Grayson Downing as an injured non-roster player.

Lightning send Gudlevskis to Syracuse of the AHL

The Lightning announced Tuesday that G Kristers Gudlevskis was sent down to Syracus in the AHL.

He was competing was the backup role with Vasilevskiy out, and was expecting to win the job before Tampa Bay claimed Kevin Poulin off waivers from the Islanders. Kevin Poulin will begin the season as backup to Ben Bishop .

Tampa Bay also announced that D Luke Witkowski, F Mike Angelidis, and F Jonathan Marchessault were all sent down to Syracuse.

Canadiens claim Paul Byron off waivers from Flames

Montreal made a sneaky good roster move on Tuesday when they claimed F Paul Byron off waivers from the Calgary Flames.

With the Flames depth, they’ve had trouble finding room for Byron over the past few years and he’s likely ready to be an everyday NHLer. It’s hard to tell sometimes with Paul Byron because he always seems to have great training camps/preseasons.

Islanders claim J.F. Berube off waivers from Kings

You’ve got to imagine this move is directly related to the loss of Kevin Poulin off waivers. Poulin was a third-stringer who was to be the Islanders AHL starter.

J.F. Berube likely steps in to compete with Stephon Williams for starter in the AHL once he’s sent down after Halak is fully healthy. Berube had 28 wins with a 2.37 GAA and .913 save % last season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.

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