The San Jose Sharks have placed Ryan Carpenter on waivers according to CapFriendly. This move could mean that Joonas Donskoi is healthy enough to return from injured reserve, but it means Carpenter is likely headed for the minor leagues.
In 16 games this season, the 26-year old Carpenter has just a single point. The undrafted center has been an excellent minor league offensive producer, but hasn’t been able to carry that scoring touch over to the NHL level. Though he’s not been afforded much ice time in his 28 career games, the Sharks need some more production from the fringes of their roster.
Interestingly, his value at center could be enticing to other clubs around the league. Carpenter is signed to a two-year deal that pays him the minimum salary at the NHL level, and has been an average faceoff man and penalty killer for the Sharks. Any team looking for some more depth down the middle could put in a claim, though there isn’t a ton of upside there to receive.