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With Jonathan Ericsson looking to return to the lineup after a stint on the long-term injury reserve, the various beatwriters that cover the Detroit Red Wings announced moments ago that Patrick Eaves had been placed on waivers:
Patrick Eaves has been waived by Wings. Has until noon to clear.
— Chuck Pleiness (@wingsfrontman) November 14, 2013
In a bit of a shock, Eaves wasn't notified of this move until being attacked by reporters following this morning's practice. That certainly doesn't seem to be the typical "Red Wing" first-class manner of treating a player.
Eaves was caught off guard he was placed on waivers when he was approached by us in locker room after practice.
— Chuck Pleiness (@wingsfrontman) November 14, 2013
In my most recent blog earlier this week, I suggested the waiving of Eaves was an option, but did not expect the Red Wings to go down this path.
2) Waive Patrick Eaves - The expectation is Eaves would get claimed, thus freeing up $1.2 million. A pending UFA this summer, the 29-year old Eaves has been a solid bottom-six forward for the club when he has been healthy. That being said, with a majority of teams within $2 million of the cap, perhaps Eaves getting claimed isn’t a slam dunk. If he cleared, the Wings would obtain $925,000 in cap savings which would be enough to free up space to call up Nyquist.
However, as I state in the blurb above, regardless of whether or not Eaves is claimed, the Red Wings will have enough cap room to call up Gustav Nyquist.
UPDATE: I stand corrected....the Wings are still approximately $105,000 short in cap space to recall Nyquist if Eaves is claimed.
Given some of the early random comments on Twitter, you would think there is a good chance Eaves days as a member of the Red Wing organization could be done....especially considering he is in final year of his contract ($1.2 million) and becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
#RedWings have placed Patrick Eaves on waivers. #Canucks could use another depth forward. Only 1.2M cap hit
— Mr.Matt (@Mister_Matt_79) November 14, 2013
A team like Edmonton would be crazy not to claim Eaves right?
— caleb (@WingedOctopus) November 14, 2013
Stay tuned!
mark.spizzirri@hockeybuzz.com
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