According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, both Martin Marincin and Calvin Pickard have cleared waivers. In Marincin’s case, it isn’t much of a surprise after the 25-year old failed to win a spot in training camp once again. The Maple Leafs have assigned him to the Toronto Marlies and recalled Calle Rosen, who was part of that training camp battle just a few days ago.
In Pickard’s case, there is no guarantee he will be assigned to the minor leagues right away. Instead, he could be dangled as trade bait since he would be able to go to the AHL for any team around the league. The Golden Knights currently have three goaltenders on the roster, after successfully claiming Malcolm Subban this week.
Either way, sliding Pickard through waivers now looks like a well-timed move by GM George McPhee, as he waited until teams were reticent to install a new backup goaltender. While Pickard has shown the ability to succeed at the NHL level, a bad preseason may have soured some on his potential going forward. The Golden Knights will get to keep him as an asset, though their minor league affiliate already has three goaltenders, since they’re allowing St. Louis to also send players.
Jordan Binnington, Oscar Dansk and Maxime Lagace were on the Chicago Wolves’ opening roster, which would leave little room for Pickard unless someone (or two) were moved down to the ECHL. That said, the Golden Knights still only have 11 forwards healthy and on the roster. Since no one else was placed on waivers today, if Pickard isn’t assigned somewhere, they’ll have to either dress seven defensemen, place another player on injured reserve, or make a trade of some sort to open a roster spot.