Five NHL players were claimed off waivers on Monday, including James Reimer, Raphael Lavoie and Jiri Patera – again.
In a flurry of activity on the NHL waiver wire, five players found new homes today.
The Anaheim Ducks claimed James Reimer off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres, adding a veteran presence to back up Lukas Dostal while John Gibson recovers from appendicitis.
The 36-year-old Reimer, who has more than 500 games of NHL experience, had a solid but limited role with the Red Wings last season, posting a .904 save percentage and a 3.11 goals-against average. He was pushed to third on the Sabres' depth chart after signing a one-year, $1-million deal this off-season.
With Reimer on board in Anaheim, rookie Calle Clang, who has no NHL experience, can be assigned back to AHL San Diego, solidifying the Ducks' opening night roster.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights claimed Cole Schwindt and Raphael Lavoie. Schwindt, a 23-year-old third-round pick, had a strong 2023-24 season with the Calgary Wranglers, recording 36 points in 66 AHL games. Though he went without a point in four NHL games last season, he showcased his potential as a two-way center during training camp.
Schwindt, 23, is a two-way right-shot center and was viewed as a potential bottom-six option for the Flames. The Flames also placed forward Jakob Pelletier and goaltender Devin Cooley on waivers, but both cleared.
Lavoie, 24, played seven NHL games without recording a point. Ryan Rishaug noted that while Lavoie possesses size and a great shot, he struggled to find consistency in his game with the Oilers. He could not crack a deep Oilers' forward group and was dealing with an injury during the pre-season. The hope was he would one day become a top-six option for Edmonton.
The Columbus Blue Jackets also claimed Zach Aston-Reese from the Vegas Golden Knights.
“Zach Aston-Reese is a smart and versatile player that can play any of the forward positions," Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said in a statement. "He brings over 300 games of NHL experience to our lineup and will provide additional depth to our group up front."
Vancouver brought back Jiri Patera from the Boston Bruins as well. The Canucks initially placed Patera on waivers last week, and Boston claimed him. With Jeremy Swayman ending his contract stalemate with the Bruins, they didn't need Patera anymore. The Canucks quickly reclaimed a goalie they didn't want to lose, and Vancouver can now assign him to the AHL.