Wednesday: The team has announced the signing. Zolnierczyk will earn $650K at the NHL level on a two-way, one-year contract.
Tuesday: According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the only player on waivers today is Harry Zolnierczyk, and he was placed there by the Nashville Predators. Since Zolnierczyk had been on a professional tryout with the Florida Panthers last we checked, that would indicate that he’s signed a contract with the Predators for the upcoming season.
Zolnierczyk played with Nashville last season, getting into 24 games during the regular season but suiting up for another 11 during their Stanley Cup finals run. He made an impact during the playoffs, but is still a fringe NHL player and will likely be signing a two-way deal. In 84 career games, the 30-year old has 13 points.
The more interesting thing about Zolnierczyk being the only player on waivers is what it means for other teams around the league. Clubs are required to get down to 23 players by today’s deadline, meaning the rest of the cuts needed around the league must be waiver-exempt players. Teams could also be placing players on injured reserve, or trading them to get their rosters in order for the start of the season.