Minnesota risks losing a former top prospect as roster cuts intensify. Other NHL teams now have a 24-hour window to claim the physical defenseman before his Iowa assignment.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have placed defenseman Carson Lambos on waivers as the club continues to trim its roster ahead of the regular season.
If Lambos clear waivers, the Wild will be able to assign the defenseman to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. However, placing them on waivers gives the NHL’s other 31 teams an opportunity to claim him.
Lambos entered training camp in an interesting position. He is still young enough to be considered a developing player within the organization, but is not waiver-exempt anymore.
Lambos, 23, was selected by the Wild with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and has spent the past three seasons developing in Iowa.
Wild coach John Hynes said during training camp that Lambos’ skating, competitiveness and defensive ability have stood out, but pointed toward his play with the puck as an area the organization wanted to see continue to improve.
“I think Lambo is a very good skater. He’s very competitive. I think he defends well,” Hynes said. “I think it’s the puck play, just making sure that he goes back. He’s efficient with his puck movement, efficient with the puck play, good decisions with the puck.”
Despite his performance, Minnesota entered camp with significant competition on the blue line, leaving limited room for Lambos to crack the NHL roster.
Now comes the waiting game.
Lambos will be available to the rest of the NHL during the waiver period. If he goes unclaimed, the Wild can send him to Iowa and retain a piece of their defensive depth.
If he is claimed, Minnesota will lose that player without receiving anything in return.
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