Along with Matt Moulson—who the Buffalo Sabres already announced would be going on waivers today— Joel Hanley has been placed on waivers according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Hanley’s assignment likely means that Niklas Hjalmarsson will be ready to return to the lineup on Thursday night.
The Coyotes signed Hanley to a one-year deal this summer after he didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Montreal Canadiens, but likely expected him to play most of the season in the minor leagues. He’s now played four games for the Coyotes, but was held scoreless in each. The 26-year old has just 21 games under his belt since earning his entry-level contract in 2015, after grinding his way through four years at UMass-Amherst and another on an AHL deal in the minors.
Arizona is still at the bottom of the standings in the Pacific Division, but have recently climbed a bit closer to relevance. With Jakob Chychrun back and making an impact right away, and now a return from Hjalmarsson perhaps they can continue to creep their way up the standings.
Maybe it’s my belief the Habs will send Victor Mete to the World Juniors but I have a feeling Hanley will be claimed by Montreal and function in Brandon Davidson’s now vacant 8th D-man spot.