Top NHL Waiver Picks for 2025-26 Preseason – The Athletic
As NHL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season, analysts Corey Pronman and Harman Dayal from The Athletic will highlight the most noteworthy players placed on waivers. When a player is waived, other teams have 24 hours to claim them. If unclaimed, the player can be sent to the minor leagues.
Top NHL Waiver Picks for 2025-26 Preseason
On September 30, Tyson Jost, a center with the Carolina Hurricanes, was waived. Jost is known for his versatility and defensive skills as a fourth-line player. At 27, he brings 495 games of NHL experience and excels in penalty killing. However, he struggles with faceoffs and has limited offensive output.
Other Players on Waivers
Additional players include Gavin Bayreuther, Noel Gunler, and Josiah Slavin, all from the Hurricanes, among others from various teams.
On September 29, all players on waivers cleared. Nicolas Aubé-Kubel, a right winger for the Minnesota Wild, is noted for being a diligent forechecker. At 29, he has over 300 NHL appearances but lacks offensive firepower.
Helge Grans, a right-shot defenseman with the Philadelphia Flyers, was drafted 35th in 2020. Despite his potential, he has not yet secured a consistent NHL role.
Other Players Waived on September 29
More players placed on waivers include Skyler Brind’Amour, Ronan Seeley, and several others from different teams.
On September 28, all players cleared waivers again. One notable name was Mikael Pyyhtiä, a left winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Pyyhtiä has played 47 NHL games and offers decent depth for teams needing a forward.
Zac Jones, a left-shot defenseman with the Buffalo Sabres, has played over 100 career NHL games. At 24, he is known for his skating and puck moving abilities, which could appeal to teams looking for mobility in their lineup.
Other Players Waived on September 28
Additional names include Jan Mysak, Jake Leschyshyn, and several others from various teams.
September 27 was another day where all players cleared waivers, including Jérémie Poirier from the Calgary Flames. Poirier excelled in the AHL last season with 42 points but has ongoing defensive challenges.
Other Players Waived September 27
Jack Rathbone, Dysin Mayo, and many others were also placed on waivers.
Finally, on September 26, Ivan Fedotov, a goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets, was waived following a trade from the Flyers. Despite his impressive size, he has faced challenges in the NHL.
Other Players Waived on September 26
Additional players included Liam Foudy and Julien Gauthier, among others.
The waiver period can provide teams with valuable opportunities, especially for those searching for depth players as the season approaches.
