Top Flames prospect Jakob Pelletier shockingly placed on waivers, Canadiens could make a move
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Calgary Flames made their last training camp waiver moves ahead of Monday's roster deadline. The Flames have placed goaltender Devin Cooley and forwards Jakob Pelletier and Cole Schwindt on waivers.
The young forwards like Adam Klapka, Connor Zary, Matt Coronato, and Samuel Honzek have been playing well for the Calgary Flames throughout the off-season. While this is good news for the team, Jakob Pelletier hasn't been performing up to par. After weeks of conjecture, the team has finally given up on the 2019 first-round pick, who has battled injuries in recent years. He was placed on waivers on Sunday.
The Flames' top player on the waiver wire is 23-year-old Pelletier, who was selected by them in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. After two successful post-draft seasons, he joined the Flames minor-pro system in 2021-2022. His shoulder injury in September 2023 and the surgery that followed serve as a clear marker for the trajectory of his professional career to date.
«I think I can play in the NHL, but I think it's on me to kind of force their hand to play me,» said Pelletier, who has four goals and 10 points in 37 NHL spins.
Though the move may seem surprising to some, it was the right one to make in honoring the players who have merited a spot on the team, especially considering how many young forwards in the Flames organization have surpassed him. Pelletier, a native of Quebec, has only appeared in 37 games in the last few years, scoring 4 goals and racking up 10 points. Despite his young age, the Montreal Canadiens have already been linked to Pelletier.
Pelletier is a player that almost all NHL scouting departments probably feel they know well because he was selected in the first round, which may increase the likelihood that he is claimed.
Pelletier hasn't lived up to the hype just yet, but there's no denying that he has NHL potential and first-round talent. If given the opportunity, he might succeed if he can find a team where he can play a significant role going forward. But in the end, the Flames team just moved on to other gifted young forwards, and although Montreal won't be the only team interested, they should be kept an eye on in the competition for the 23-year-old winger.
Latest 10 stories
