Tuesday: Holzer has cleared waivers.
Monday: The Anaheim Ducks have placed Korbinian Holzer on waivers according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, but not for the purpose of a buyout or contract termination. Instead, the Ducks are likely hoping another team will claim him and take the $900K off their books, or at least gain some leverage on Holzer in any extension negotiations. This transaction is often seen right before an arbitration hearing with a restricted free agent, but Holzer is still under contract for one season and will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
Anaheim has plenty of options on the blue line for next season, and could likely go without Holzer all year if another team was willing to claim him. He played in only 16 games for them last season, and hasn’t ever really been a full-time NHL player. He does offer some right-handed depth, but isn’t dynamic enough to warrant a roster spot. If the Ducks can’t find a taker, he may be destined for the San Diego Gulls next season.
The Ducks do have some work to do this summer to shore up their defense, as Brandon Montour is a restricted free agent and will be looking for a substantial raise. The team already has Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson locked into their top-four, while several young players like Jacob Larsson, Marcus Pettersson and Josh Mahura should be challenging for playing time. In what has become a defenseman factory, the Ducks don’t need Holzer any longer for a depth option with the big club.