Kent Hughes could be on the verge of making a big splash with the waivers
As training camps are already coming to an end in the National Hockey League, the different organizations will soon have to make big decisions and cut some interesting names.
As reported by the experts at The Athletic, one of those organizations that seems to be on the verge of putting a very interesting name in the mix is the Calgary Flames.
According to solid sources within the organization, the Flames are seriously considering placing their young defenseman Juuso Valimaki on waivers.
It could happen any day now, unless something changes in the meantime.
The Calgary Flames have a good, deep defensive squad, especially since the addition of MacKenzie Weegar. Former first round pick Valimaki is obviously going to be bailing.
He hasn't been able to establish himself in the NHL and doesn't seem to be in the good graces of head coach Darryl Sutter.
Valimaki is a great skater, very fast, with good size and great potential. He was going to get his chance to establish himself at the exceptional age of 19, when he played 24 games in the NHL, but a serious injury derailed his development.
They also mention Connor MacKey's name here, another defenseman who could go through waivers and would most likely be claimed.
We told you about this earlier this week, but Calgary is definitely one to watch. We could really "pick up" one of their very attractive young defensemen.
Valimaki was an untouchable on the trade market for them two years ago, but they are forced to make a big decision here, now that he is eligible for the dump and they have a big surplus of young backs.
Valimaki is the kind of young defenseman that could become a real steal of the draft.
Drafted 16th overall in 2017 (first round), the now 23-year-old defenseman has put up about 20 points, in 35 games, in the AHL. In 2021-22. In 2021, he had 11 points in the NHL.
If he is indeed placed on waivers in the next few days, do you think Kent Hughes should claim him? Remember that the Montreal Canadiens have the first pick.
If he is placed on waivers and the CH ignores him, he will certainly be claimed elsewhere.
To be continued!
For details: The Athletic
| POLL | ||
Do you think the CH should claim Juuso Valimaki, if he is placed on waivers? | ||
| Yes | 148 | 67.6 % |
| No | 71 | 32.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
