Devils Place Dadonov, Glendening & Tsyplakov on Waivers: Trade Deadline Move?
The New Jersey Devils are streamlining their roster ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, placing forwards Evgenii Dadonov, Luke Glendening, and Maxim Tsyplakov on waivers, the team announced Thursday, .
The move, as reported by multiple sources, signals the Devils’ intent to create roster flexibility as they navigate the final days before the trade deadline. While placing players on waivers doesn’t guarantee they’ll be removed from the roster, it opens the possibility for other teams to claim them, or for the Devils to reassign them to the American Hockey League (AHL) should they clear waivers.
Dadonov’s placement is perhaps the most notable. Acquired last offseason on a one-year, $1 million contract with potential performance bonuses, the 33-year-old winger was initially expected to contribute offensively, even seeing time on a line with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. However, his season has been significantly hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 17 games played. He has yet to register a goal or point with the Devils.
Prior to joining New Jersey, Dadonov had enjoyed productive seasons with the Dallas Stars, amassing 35 goals and 78 points in 154 games. The injuries have derailed any chance of replicating that success in New Jersey, and the team will likely benefit from minimizing potential bonus payouts on his contract.
Glendening, a 36-year-old center, joined the Devils on a league-minimum contract after a professional tryout. He has primarily filled a fourth-line role, providing defensive stability and faceoff expertise. In 52 games, he’s recorded four assists, averaging just under ten minutes of ice time per game. His career faceoff percentage of 55.6%, with a tendency to start shifts in the defensive zone (73.5%), demonstrates his value in a specific, defensive role, but ultimately wasn’t enough to secure his place on the roster.
Tsyplakov’s arrival in New Jersey was tied to the trade that sent Ondřej Palát to the New York Islanders last month. He has appeared in nine games for the Devils, but has yet to register a point. At $2.25 million against the cap through next season, his contract presents a more complex scenario for potential acquiring teams, and the Devils may face challenges in finding a trade partner willing to accept on his salary.
The decision to place all three players on waivers suggests the Devils are prioritizing roster space and cap flexibility as they assess potential trade opportunities. Clearing waivers on these players would allow the team to more easily acquire players without exceeding the salary cap, or to reassign players to the AHL for development or to create roster spots. The team could also retain these players if none are claimed.
The coming days will be crucial for the Devils as they navigate the trade deadline. The outcome of the waiver claims will significantly impact their options and their ability to address any remaining needs on the roster. The team’s front office will be closely monitoring the situation, weighing the potential benefits of acquiring new talent against the require to maintain roster flexibility and financial stability.