Claimed off Waivers: [DAL] Sami Vatanen claimed off waivers by the Stars from the Devils

[izzy]

I think he can turn it around still, in the right scenario

 

[Johno]

Isn't Vatanen a better player than Kulikov or has Vatanen falled off that much in recent years ? Just asking because Kulikov got traded while Vatanen was waived by the Devils.

I guess cap hit had something to do with it as well.

 

[serp]

I guess cap hit had something to do with it as well.

Devils could've retained up to 50% and Vatanen would/could be cheaper than Kulikov for the new team.

 

[billingtons ghost]

They waived him, because if he passes thru waivers he can be traded to a team that puts him on the Taxi squad directly instead of passing thru waivers again. It was a calculated risk to make him a more attractive trade target. Now he has to stay on Dallas roster and count against the cap.

 

[Machinehead]

He's kinda booty but he's fine on your third pair. I like this for Dallas.

 

[NJ Fan 12]

Wasn't even close this year. Sami has played a bit better in recent weeks - particularly oddly enough on the penalty kill (where the Devils were very bad the first month or so of the season). That being said, much of his best hockey was played with either Murray or Kulikov as his partner.

Along with PK and Murray, Kulikov has been one of the top defenders for the Devils, bringing a physical element that has not existed in New Jersey for a while.

If the move to Edmonton works out, Kulikov should be a good addition for the Oilers.

 

[Unspecified]

They waived him, because if he passes thru waivers he can be traded to a team that puts him on the Taxi squad directly instead of passing thru waivers again. It was a calculated risk to make him a more attractive trade target. Now he has to stay on Dallas roster and count against the cap.

Isn't it prorated for the remaining games?

 

[billingtons ghost]

Yep.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Figuring that nobody wanted to give an asset (or maybe nothing more than say a 7th) to get Vatanen at full price so Devils took the gamble on the waiver move. Devils only have one retention spot left and perhaps they see more value using it either in a Murray trade or in one of those double rentention trickeration deals. We'll find out in a couple hours I guess.

 

[broman]

Supply and demand. Pretty good match and fortunate timing for both parties. Let's see if Vats can rediscover his mojo.

 

[GeeoffBrown]

Devils could've retained up to 50% and Vatanen would/could be cheaper than Kulikov for the new team.

I heard that NJD already used up all their salary retention slots

 

[tellermine]

I feel that Vatanen will make quite a rebound next season.
And this way Dallas will get it cheap.

But yes. Some injuries take time to get 100%

 

[oconnor9sean]

Hintz
Lindell
Heiskanen
Kiviranta
Vatanen

and honorary Finnish Mafia member John Klingberg

 

[ninetyeight]

Pretty sad to see Sami go, great guy and one of the few that actually wanted to be a Devil. But he’s been a bit inconsistent and had bunch of poor games, so it is what it is. I think he’ll be happy with his fellow Finns in Dallas though.

 

[Dr Pepper]

Hintz
Lindell
Heiskanen
Kiviranta
Vatanen

and honorary Finnish Mafia member John Klingberg

Wait 'til Honka makes the team out of camp next season, too.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

Liked him a lot until he got hurt last year. Didn't show well this year, not sure if they are related.

 

[serp]

Hintz
Lindell
Heiskanen
Kiviranta
Vatanen

and honorary Finnish Mafia member John Klingberg

Fairly sure Stars had most finnish players play for them of any NHL franchises .

 

[serp]

Wait 'til Honka makes the team out of camp next season, too.

Is he still RFA ? If he is i don't see how he would be qualified because he's been bad even in the AHL .

 

[Dr Pepper]

Is he still RFA ? If he is i don't see how he would be qualified because he's been bad even in the AHL .

Not sure, maybe he's only back in Texas on a "show me" contract, and not showing much of anything.