The Calgary Flames have placed three players on waivers: Jakob Pelletier, Cole Schwindt, and Devin Cooley. This move suggests the Flames will retain eighth defenseman Joel Hanley instead of opting for former first-round pick Pelletier, which has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts.
Currently, the Flames are carrying 27 players: three goalies, eight defensemen, and 16 forwards. If Cooley, Schwindt, and Pelletier clear waivers, this will reduce the roster to 24 players (two goalies, eight defensemen, and 14 forwards). Assuming everyone is healthy, the final move would likely involve sending a waiver-exempt forward—either Matt Coronato, Adam Klapka, or Sam Honzek—to the AHL.
Why Hanley Over Pelletier?
Critical Flames fans argue that keeping Hanley, who is seen as a depth defenseman, over Pelletier is questionable.
The 23-year-old Pelletier, drafted 26th overall by the Flames in 2019, recorded three points in 13 games last season but struggled during training camp, finishing the preseason without a point in four games. Despite his lackluster camp, many believe he offers more long-term potential than Hanley, who may only serve as an eighth defenseman this season.
As teams finalize their rosters, Pelletier’s future with the Flames organization remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the decision to place him on waivers has sparked debate among fans and experts alike.
It’s possible he could be claimed and this may be a decision the Flames look back upon and regret if that were to happen.
The other two cuts were not a shock as the Flames are going to run with Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf in goal to start the season.
This was a busy day in the NHL for waivers with the full list below: (h/t to TSN)
Boston Bruins: Patrick Brown, Brando Bussi, Jiri Patera, Billy Sweezey, Jeffrey Viel
Buffalo Sabres: Kale Clague, James Reimer, Lukas Rousek
Calgary Flames: Devin Cooley, Jakob Pelletier, Cole Schwindt
Carolina Hurricanes: Josiah Slavin, Ty Smith, Ryan Suzuki
Chicago Blackhawks: Isaak Phillips
Detroit Red Wings: Justin Holl, Sheldon Dries, William Lagesson, Brogan Refferty, Joe Snively
Edmonton Oilers: Josh Brown, Drake Caggiula, Raphael Lavoie, Olivier Rodrigue
Los Angeles Kings: Pheonix Copley, Jack Studnicka, Samuel Fagemo
Nashville Predators: Marc Del Gaizo
New Jersey Devils: Shane Bowers, Nick DeSimone, Nolan Foote, Colton White
New York Islanders: Pierre Engvall, Hudson Fasching, Liam Foudy, Fredrik Karlstrom, Samuel Bolduc, Grant Hutton, Magnus Hogberg, Jakub Skarek
New York Rangers: Matthew Robertson
Ottawa Senators: Jan Jenik, Adam Gaudette
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sebastian Aho, Bokondji Imama
St. Louis Blues: Corey Schueneman, Tyler Tucker
Tampa Bay Lightning: Gage Goncalves, Steven Santini, Jesse Ylonen
Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt Murray, Marshall Rifai
Utah Hockey Club: Matt Villalta
Vancouver Canucks: Erik Brannstrom
Vegas Golden Knights: Zach Aston-Reese, Tanner Laczynski, Jonas Rondbjerg
Washington Capitals: Hunter Shepard
Winnipeg Jets: Jaret Anderson-Dolan
