Thursday: Blandisi has cleared waivers and can be assigned to the AHL.
Wednesday: For the third time, Joseph Blandisi has been placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Blandisi previously cleared just before the season began and again at the beginning of December. Despite that, he has played in 21 games with the Penguins and needs to go through the process again in order to be eligible for assignment to the AHL.
Like the last two times, it seems unlikely that Blandisi will be claimed by anyone despite his NHL experience. The 25-year old has now played in 101 NHL games over parts of five seasons, most coming with the New Jersey Devils several years ago. A star offensive player in junior, Blandisi has 31 points at the highest level but is more of a threat in the AHL. He has seven points in his 13 games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season, where he may find himself again should he clear waivers this time.
The fact that he is on waivers could perhaps be another sign that Sidney Crosby is nearing a return, after taking practice and traveling with the team. The Penguins’ captain has been out since the beginning of November and has played just 17 games this season.