The waiver wire has just one name on it today according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, and that name is Freddie Hamilton of the Calgary Flames. It’s an interesting move for the Flames, who only recently recalled the waiver-exempt Andrew Mangiapane when Michael Frolik was placed on injured reserve.
Hamilton, who has only played eight games for the Flames, has been waived twice now this season, originally clearing in early November. He was never assigned to the minor leagues that time, as the Flames waived and demoted Tanner Glass just a few days later instead. On this occasion, Hamilton might not be as safe. Though Mangiapane only played a bit over seven minutes in his debut, the 21-year old is a dynamic offensive player that could work his way into a higher spot in the lineup, similar to the path Mark Jankowski has taken this season.
Hamilton, the older brother of teammate Dougie Hamilton, now has just six points in 67 career NHL games despite a tag of being an offensive player himself when working his way through the system. He’s rarely been given the chance to show that offense at the NHL level, and will have to re-establish himself at the AHL level should he clear and be sent to the Stockton Heat.
Wasn’t Freddie the reason Dougie demanded to go to Calgary? How’s that working out?
Someone should claim him, he’s got good size and was a solid scorer in Juniors. He’s never really been given a good 30 games or so to show if he can cut it in a 3C role