Avalanche Place Eric Gelinas On Waivers

The Colorado Avalanche have placed defenseman Eric Gelinas on waivers, reports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman (Twitter link).

Gelinas is in his first full season with Colorado after being acquired by the team at the trade deadline last year from New Jersey in exchange for a 2017 3rd round pick.  However, he has played a sparing role this season, suiting up in just seven games, recording one assist while averaging just 12:30 per game.

The 25 year old is best known for his offensive skill set and size.  He has 55 points (14-41-55) in just 169 games and at 6’4, possesses ideal size for a defender.  However, his play in his own end isn’t the sharpest and as a result, he had been deployed by the Devils as a forward or strictly a power play specialist at times before they dealt him last season.

Gelinas is in the final season of a two year deal that carries a cap hit of $1.575MM.  He’s eligible for restricted free agency at the end of the season and will be due a qualifying offer of $1.65MM.

Still on the waiver wire, Friedman also reported in that tweet that Nashville defender Adam Pardy cleared waivers.  He signed a one year, two-way NHL deal with the team on Wednesday but had to clear waivers to return to Milwaukee of the AHL.