Full Breakdown
NHL Waiver Wire: Key Players Available as Teams Finalize Rosters
10/1/2025, 8:43:21 AM
Overview of Recent Waivers
As NHL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the 2025-26 season, a significant number of players have been placed on waivers. On September 30, 2025, 22 players were made available to the other 31 franchises, including notable names such as goaltender Matt Tomkins of the Edmonton Oilers and forward Tyson Jost of the Carolina Hurricanes. This wave of waivers is part of a broader trend, with over 100 players placed on waivers in the past five days as teams look to trim their rosters.
Notable Players on Waivers
Among the players placed on waivers recently are:
- Carolina Hurricanes: Tyson Jost, Gavin Bayreuther, Noel Gunler, Josiah Slavin, Ryan Suzuki, and Skyler Brind’Amour.
- Calgary Flames: Dryden Hunt, Clark Bishop, Yan Kuznetsov, and Sam Morton.
- Edmonton Oilers: Matt Tomkins.
- New York Islanders: Matthew Highmore and Marcus Hogberg.
- New York Rangers: Brendan Brisson and Connor Mackey.
- Philadelphia Flyers: Anthony Richard.
- San Jose Sharks: Shane Bowers, Jimmy Huntington, Samuel Laberge, Oskar Olausson, and Jakub Skarek.
- Winnipeg Jets: Tyrel Bauer and Isaak Phillips.
If these players clear waivers, they will be eligible to join their respective AHL teams.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to place players like Jost and Brind’Amour on waivers has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. Some view it as a missed opportunity for teams to develop young talent, especially in the case of Brind’Amour, who is seen as a promising player due to his lineage and recent performance in the AHL.
Official Statements & Responses
Elliotte Friedman, a prominent NHL insider, noted that the waiver wire activity is heating up as teams finalize their rosters. He emphasized the importance of depth in goaltending, suggesting that teams are looking for reliable options as the season approaches.
What's Next
As the waiver period continues, teams will have 24 hours to claim these players. Those who remain unclaimed will likely be assigned to their AHL affiliates, where they will continue to develop their skills and await potential call-ups to the NHL.
This ongoing movement in the NHL waiver wire reflects the competitive nature of the league as teams strive to optimize their rosters ahead of the regular season.
