Former first round pick placed on waivers by the New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are off to a solid start this season, but after just one game, they've placed former first-round pick Julien Gauthier on waivers.
The New York Islanders currently sit at 2-1-2 through five games of the new NHL season, and on Sunday, they made a very intriguing waiver move, officially placing 27-year old forward Julien Gauthier on waivers, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.
This comes after Gauthier played in 27 games for New York a season ago, tallying 5 goals and 9 points over that time, but after getting into just one game this year, the team decided this was the best move. It's no unfamiliar territory for Gauthier, who played 17 games with the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL a season ago, and if he clears waivers, that's where he'll be headed back too again in 2024/25.
Also on waivers today is 23-year old Adam Beckman, who was a third-round pick of the Minnesota Wild five seasons ago, but after joining the Devils this off-season, he's yet to see game action and will now likely head to the AHL, confidently assuming that he clears waivers.
With NHL rosters settling after a wild off-season, it appears waiver activity is slowing even more over the past few days, and while neither of these players are big names, they could be intriguing additions for several teams around the league. It's unlikely that either will be claimed, as they are both very unproven at the NHL level, but for several teams out there, they could be reclamation projects or genuine starters for them.
Don't expect that to happen however, with Gauthier especially working as great depth for an Islanders team that is looking for a Stanley Cup run in 2024/25, but regardless, keep your eyes peeled tomorrow for a major update on both players.
