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Penguins Waive Zamula After Brief Stint, Cap Relief Achieved

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Egor Zamula was placed on waivers for contract termination by the Pittsburgh Penguins six days after being traded from the Philadelphia Flyers, allowing them to shed his $1.7 million cap hit.
Zamula had struggled to report to the AHL affiliate and appeared in 13 NHL games this season with one assist.
Philip Tomasino will report to the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms after limited play with Pittsburgh.

History

Historical Context

The NHL introduced a waiver system in 1979 to manage player contracts amid rising salary concerns. This followed the league's expansion and the financial turmoil caused by the World Hockey Association's competition, which led to a merger in 1979. The waiver process significantly impacts player mobility and team strategies, as teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins navigate salary cap constraints while managing their rosters.

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Story summary

Egor Zamula was placed on waivers for contract termination by the Pittsburgh Penguins six days after being traded from the Philadelphia Flyers, allowing them to shed his $1.7 million cap hit.
Zamula had struggled to report to the AHL affiliate and appeared in 13 NHL games this season with one assist.
Philip Tomasino will report to the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms after limited play with Pittsburgh.

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