The Anaheim Ducks have decided to make another roster move today, placing Korbinian Holzer on waivers. Dennis Rasmussen, who was put on unconditional waivers yesterday, has cleared and will now have his contract mutually terminated. He’ll forfeit the rest of his salary this season, and be able to return to Sweden to play out the year.
Holzer’s placement on waivers comes as something of a surprise, and could precede another move of some sort. The 29-year old defenseman has played only 14 games this season, but has served as the team’s injury replacement and insurance policy for three years now. In June, he signed a new two-year contract worth $900K per season, a number that can be entirely buried in the minor leagues if he clears tomorrow.
Still, the move would leave the Ducks with just six defensemen on the roster. A trade could fix that, or a call-up of one of their younger options. While Andy Welinski and Jaycob Megna have both played some games this season, it seems unlikely that either of them would depose any of the starting six without injury. Clearing waivers would certainly give them some more roster flexibility, though they’re already carrying only 22 players on the roster.
The Ducks will definitely be a team to watch over the coming days, as they prepare their roster for the trade deadline stretch. Sitting just a point out of a playoff spot, they have the draft capital and prospects to make a big splash if they so choose.
Mike Green coming to Anaheim
I personally would prefer a guy like Holden because Carlyle will play Bieksa over Beauchemin if we get another dman. Either way, Holzer will clear and give us options. Apparently Marcus Pettersson has been recalled, but no official annoucement has been made. If that’s the case, we might just be trying to develop him a little and let him have some sporadic playing time on the 3rd pairing. Flexibility either way…
Dennis Rasmussen has signed with Växjö Lakers HC of the SHL for the rest of the season. link to vaxjolakers.se