Jan 18: Spezza, Biega, Kellman, and Ritchie have all cleared waivers. Dell was claimed by the New Jersey Devils.
Jan 17: The Toronto Maple Leafs responded after losing rookie forward Nicholas Robertson to injury Saturday by placing a couple of their players on waivers Sunday. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports that third-string goaltender Aaron Dell and veteran forward Jason Spezza are among those on waivers. Detroit Red Wings’ Alex Biega and San Jose Sharks’ Joel Kellman also made the list. The Calgary Flames also placed forward Brett Ritchie on waivers after signing him to a one-year deal earlier today.
Toronto’s roster moves all comes back to Saturday night’s injury of rookie forward Nick Robertson, who is expected to miss time. Because of the lack of cap space to recall a replacement for Robertson (other than Travis Boyd), the team was forced to make some roster moves, including risking losing Aaron Dell, who the team has been holding on to as a third-string goalie, waiting for the goalie market needs die down to pass him through waivers. There was talk that Toronto might be able to use the new emergency recall rule, but The Athletic’s James Mirtle shot that down, reporting that rule can only be used in COVID-19 cases. Unfortunately for Toronto, the team will likely lose the former San Jose Sharks’ netminder. Dell, who struggled behind San Jose’s weak defense last season, was brought in to serve as a third option in case either Frederik Andersen or Jack Campbell struggle or are injured during the season. He will almost assuredly be claimed with many experts suggesting that he will be claimed by either the Edmonton Oilers or New Jersey Devils.
Spezza is another interesting candidate. Teams might be interested in bringing in the veteran forward, but Johnston reports that Spezza isn’t interested in playing for any other team other than Toronto as he wants to remain close to his family. The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel reports that the 37-year-old was ready to retire in the offseason had the Leafs not brought him back. He has played in all three of the Maple Leafs games so far this season. NOTE: Spezza’s agent Rick Curran told Johnston that Spezza will retire if he is claimed by any other NHL team.
Biega is no stranger to waivers, but the 32-year-old has served as a sixth/seventh defenseman for years. He played in 49 games with the Red Wings last year and would make a good candidate for the taxi squad as well. He has not appeared in either of the Red Wings two games this year. Kellman appeared in the Sharks’ first game of the season, but was a healthy scratch Saturday and now looks headed for the taxi squad as well. The 26-year-old scored seven points in 31 games for the Sharks last season.
Judging by the comments on CJ’s post, they’re apparently gathering the pitchforks and torches in the GTA. Nobody expects Dell to clear, and many expect Spezza to get snarfed up, too. This ought to get real interesting today…
it’s going to get real ugly there real quick. they’ve gotten themselves in such a cap nightmare that they will have to see questionable waivings all year. their back end will probably be woefully terrible in time.
@DarkSide830 – Regarding the “questionable waivings”, The Leafs seem primed to be the headliners for that this year, possibly more than any other top team that comes to mind. Cap Hell has no real silver lining…it’s colored “charcoal” :)
It’s not a good situation when a guy on an ELC gets injured and that makes you have to start doing roster gymnastics just to stay cap compliant. Dubas may have got everybody signed, but he put that team in an awful spot moving forward.
You know, @JD, when you mention “roster gymnastics” I had a mental picture of a GM (not KD, necessarily) having a mishap on the cap Balance Beam. Thud! And another GM off to the side saying “TIMMMBERRRRR!”, followed by a muffled cry of “mommy!” :)
NJ should pick up Dell
so if a team wants to deal Toronto a blow, they can force Spezza to retire and there is no repurcussion for that team other than being despised by Leafs? It’s kind of heartless but also fair to the rules of competition.
I see the possibility of claiming Spezz’ as more vindictive against TOR, but I have to admire a guy that sticks to his guns and says, in effect, “this is *my* NMC!” Not many are in the position to do that.
The Oilers should claim Dell off waivers because Mike Smith has been placed on IR.
TOR Management has really shafted Spezza. This is a total slap in the face after the nonsense Babcock pulled awhile back withholding him from the lineup when he had a bunch of family in attendance. Dude doesn’t have another cheek to turn for them. Surprised if vets don’t take note of this. Sure, Marleau loved it but at a Poison Pill Contract. I doubt the HC will screw Thornton around, but Spezza was a world class player man, no need for this. Telling me Engvall’s $1.25 can’t be sent down with equal savings? If not, please, tell me haha! Jus sayin’…smh…
Engvall is down already
All the clubs have made their beds of Covid taxi waiver hell. Now sleep in it.
Again,it’s like asking the drunk friend to sober up to be the designated driver.