NHL teams need to be cap compliant by 5 PM on Monday.
NHL teams need to be cap compliant by 5 PM on Monday.
ELMONT, NY -- On February 28, 2023, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Pierre Engvall to the New York Islanders for a third-round pick (2024) in the NHL Draft.
He was then extended for seven years, with an annual cap hit of $3 million.
But on Sunday, with six years remaining on his deal, the 28-year-old was placed on waivers:
"I think that what happened, simplistically, is that he's a top six, top nine forward, and Maxim Tsyplakov earned his way into that role, and basically, we have to make the best decisions for the best lineup we can put together," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said on Sunday morning. "It's as simple as that. It's not that he did anything wrong, but he basically lost the job at this point. He is not a bottom-six player.
"I still believe in him and his talent and his abilities, but there's only so much room, and with Anthony Duclair coming in for the top line, and then Max fitting in...Now, things can change."
Because of his contract, Engvall is not likely to be claimed off waivers.
Teams can bury up to $1.15 million of a player's contract in the minors, so $1.85 million of Engvall's deal will still count against the cap.
Clearing $1.15 million allowed for the Islanders to keep Oliver Wahlstrom, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal on the roster.
Engvall scored 10 goals with 18 assists for 28 points in 74 games last season, the first year of his deal. He was never overly impressive, and the Islanders are doing what they must to have the best roster and lineup possible ahead of opening night on Oct. 10 against the Utah Hockey Club.