The Carolina Hurricanes are set to open another roster spot, as they’ve placed Michael Fora on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a contract termination. Fora had signed with the team just this past June, but failed to make the NHL roster and only played one game for the Charlotte Checkers. The other three players on waivers from yesterday, David Ullstrom, Eric Gryba and Brian Lashoff, have all cleared.
Fora, 22, was a lottery ticket signed out of Switzerland this summer after posting an excellent season for Ambri-Piotta. The young defenseman recorded 27 points in 50 games, but had been a healthy scratch for the last few contests in Charlotte. Instead of sitting in the press box in North America, it’s likely that Fora will return to Switzerland or another European professional league.
Terminating his contract technically makes Fora available for any other team to sign, and even if he does return to Switzerland this season he’s a player to keep an eye on over the next few years. Right-shot defensemen that can move the puck effectively and have some size are in high demand in the NHL, and if he can take a few more steps in his development there will be plenty of interest.