Full Breakdown
NHL Waiver Wire: Key Moves Ahead of the 2025-26 Season
10/5/2025, 5:26:09 PM
Overview of Waiver Activity
On October 4, 2025, a significant number of players were placed on waivers as NHL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. Notably, the Pittsburgh Penguins placed defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers, alongside four other players: forwards Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Boko Imama, and Sam Poulin, as well as defenseman Alex Alexeyev. The Toronto Maple Leafs also made headlines by waiving veteran center David Kampf, who subsequently cleared waivers.
Key Players Waived
Ryan Graves, a 30-year-old defenseman, is entering the third year of a six-year contract with a $4.5 million cap hit. His performance has been underwhelming, with only one goal and four points in 61 games last season, leading to his placement on waivers. Graves was expected to be a key defensive player for the Penguins but struggled to adapt to the team's system under former coach Mike Sullivan. New coach Dan Muse's evaluation of Graves indicated that he was not among the top eight defensemen deemed fit for the roster.
David Kampf, who has been with the Maple Leafs for four seasons, was waived after losing his spot in the lineup due to the acquisition of Scott Laughton. Kampf expressed the mental challenges he faced after being sidelined from the top four lines, but he cleared waivers and remains with the organization.
Other notable players placed on waivers include Zack MacEwen of the New Jersey Devils, who was waived just a day after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators, and Colin White of the San Jose Sharks, who has struggled to secure a permanent NHL role.
Implications of Waiver Moves
The waiver process allows other NHL teams to claim players before they are assigned to their respective AHL affiliates. If no claims are made by 2 p.m. ET on the following day, teams can send the players to the minors. This process is critical as teams aim to trim their rosters to comply with NHL regulations ahead of the season opener.
The Penguins, who are looking to solidify their roster, will have to wait and see if any of the waived players are claimed. If Graves clears, he will be assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, which would only relieve $1.15 million of his cap hit. The decision to waive him reflects the competitive nature of the Penguins' training camp and the need for the team to optimize its roster.
Official Statements & Responses
Pittsburgh Penguins' management acknowledged the competitive nature of the training camp, with coach Dan Muse stating, “There was plenty of good moments in (Graves). It was a competitive camp. You had a lot of defensemen.” The Maple Leafs' head coach Craig Berube also commented on Kampf, noting, “He’s a good NHL player. Played in the league for a long time. He’s a reliable player.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Penguins' decision to waive Graves point to the significant investment made in him during free agency. Some analysts argue that the team should have given him more time to adjust to the new system rather than placing him on waivers so soon into the season.
What's Next
As the NHL season approaches, teams will continue to finalize their rosters, with more players expected to hit the waiver wire in the coming days. The Penguins will open their season against the New York Rangers on October 7, while the Maple Leafs will also look to solidify their lineup as they prepare for the regular season.
