The Avalanche have added some defensive depth via the waiver wire. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports (Twitter link) that they’ve claimed blueliner John Ludvig off waivers from Pittsburgh.
It’s the second year in a row that the 24-year-old has been scooped off waivers in training camp. Last year, it was the Penguins claiming him from Florida.
Last season, Ludvig saw regular action with Pittsburgh when he wasn’t injured. However, injuries were an issue for him as he missed time with a concussion and an upper-body injury before undergoing offseason wrist surgery. In between, he played in 33 games, his first taste of NHL action. In those, he had three goals and two assists along with 47 penalty minutes, 33 blocks, and 72 hits in a little under 12 minutes per night.
Colorado is an interesting landing spot for Ludvig as they have already brought in three new blueliners this summer to shore up their depth in Oliver Kylington, Erik Brannstrom, and Calvin de Haan. They also have Sam Malinski who is now waiver-eligible so adding to that group comes as a bit of a surprise. Assuming he makes their opening roster on Monday, he’ll give them some extra physicality for games that he’s in the lineup.
Ludvig is in the second and final season of his two-year, two-way deal. The agreement pays $775K in the NHL and $150K should he make it to the minors. He’ll be a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration eligibility if he plays in 47 games or more. Otherwise, he’ll qualify for Group Six unrestricted free agency.
I had the feeling the Pens were going to lose him on waivers. Like the grit he brought to the back end, but to borrow a football cliche you can’t make the team from the tub. Too many injuries to warrant a guaranteed spot.