Jan 22: Pirri has cleared waivers and can now report to the taxi squad or minor leagues.
Jan 21: The Chicago Blackhawks have placed Brandon Pirri on waivers, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. The veteran forward had played in just one of the team’s games so far and did not record a point.
Pirri, 29, has traveled all over the NHL through his playing career, starting in Chicago during the 2010-11 season and visiting Florida, Anaheim, New York and Vegas before returning to the Blackhawks this offseason. Always known for his goal-scoring ability, he failed to record a single tally in 16 games with the Golden Knights last season.
Now, with the Blackhawks navigating a tricky salary cap situation he finds himself at risk of selection by the rest of the league. Chicago is currently using three goaltenders on the active roster, but both Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban would need to clear waivers in order to be assigned to the taxi squad. Given how many netminders have been claimed in recent days, it seems prudent to avoid placing either of them there for the time being. Should Pirri clear, he could be moved to the taxi squad instead, clearing a roster spot.
There is a chance of a claim, but it does seem unlikely even though Pirri is only owed $775K this season.
He is euro league bound, I would be shocked if he was claimed
He is ok with Chicago based AHL teams. It’s part of the reason why he originally signed with Vegas, and then when Vegas moved their AHL team from Chicago, they found a trade for him there.
IIRC it’s because his wife’s family is from there and that’s where they owned their house
In all honesty he should be acting as a captain in Rockford to help mentor some of the Hawks young players. There was/is no point in having him with Chicago
Same thought – he seems to have the personality for being a minor league leader, but that’s a point of no return trip out of the NHL.