Former All-Star goaltender placed on waivers by Kings

With the NHL season set to kick off Tuesday evening, three gamers have kicked off the season on waivers.

In accordance with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Los Angeles Kings goaltender David Rittich, Tampa Bay Lightning ahead Alex Barre-Boulet and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann have been positioned on waivers. All three are eligible to hitch their respective AHL groups if left unclaimed.

Maybe probably the most fascinating identify is Rittich, a 31-year-old from Czechia. An NHL All-Star Sport consultant in 2020, Rittich made a reputation for himself in his early seasons with the Calgary Flames. However by 2020-21, he struggled most of the time and was traded to Toronto to shut out the season. 

He went 1-1-1 in that span earlier than signing with the Nashville Predators for 2021-22. It was one other troublesome season for Rittich, who had a career-worst 3.57 GAA and .886 SP in 17 video games. He allowed 5 targets in his lone playoff sport that yr towards Colorado, with the membership electing to complete the collection (that the Avalanche swept) with Connor Ingram in internet. 

Rittich bounced again barely with Winnipeg final yr earlier than becoming a member of the Kings because the workforce’s third goalie for this season. He’s on a one-year deal price $875K, so a workforce in search of an skilled veteran possibility may have a look.

As soon as seen as one other potential hidden gem by the Lightning, Barre-Boulet, 26, has simply 9 factors in 32 video games over three NHL seasons. He’s been top-of-the-line AHLers over the previous 5 years, recording 109 targets and 283 factors in 271 video games — together with a career-best 84 factors final yr. 

Maybe a workforce in search of further scoring depth will take an opportunity on ABB, like Seattle did in the course of the 2021-22 season — just for the Bolts to carry him again by way of waivers. Barre-Boulet’s cap hit is $758,333, which is under the league minimal of $775K.

McMann missed all of coaching camp with an harm suffered final yr with the Toronto Marlies. he was a revelation within the AHL, scoring 21 targets and 29 factors in 30 video games. 

The 27-year-old additionally bought his first style of NHL motion, recording an help in 10 video games whereas in a fourth-line position. He presently makes $762,500, which can also be under the present league minimal.