Jan 5: Fitzgerald has cleared waivers and can now be assigned to the minor leagues.
Jan 4: The Carolina Hurricanes have placed Cavan Fitzgerald on waivers, according to Chris Johnston of NorthStar Bets. That would indicate that he is ready to return from the injury that has kept him out all year, and put him on season-opening injured reserve. It was undisclosed, but he missed all of training camp as well, meaning he’ll probably need some time to shake the rust off before becoming a call-up option for the Hurricanes.
Not that he is first in line anyway, given Fitzgerald still hasn’t appeared at the NHL level. Signed by the San Jose Sharks as an undrafted free agent out of the QMJHL, he played two seasons for the San Jose Barracuda before the organization decided not to issue him a qualifying offer. Some AHL contracts followed, before the Hurricanes converted his deal into a two-year, two-way NHL contract in 2021.
Now 26, he’ll serve as organizational depth should he clear (which is all but guaranteed) and help the Chicago Wolves try to turn around their disappointing season. The club sits at 11-15-4 on the year and has allowed the second-most goals in the league.