Former top-10 pick superstar hits the NHL waiver wire

According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Carolina Hurricanes have placed center Tyson Jost on waivers in preparation for an assignment to AHL Chicago.

According to PuckPedia, the Hurricanes have made multiple moves in the past 24 hours, including moving winger Jesper Fast from IR to LTIR. Gustav Lindstrom, a player for the Montreal Canadiens, was another player to be placed on waivers today.

Considering that Jost fell down the depth chart with the Sabres in 2023-24, his waiver placement is not shocking. The 26-year-old saw action in the AHL for the first time since 2018-19, scoring just six points in 43 games and arriving at AHL Rochester after going unclaimed on waivers. The 10th overall pick in 2016 also recorded a career-low 10:36 minutes per game in Buffalo the previous season, along with a -11 rating and dreadful possession statistics (44.0 CF%, 37.3 xGF%).

Despite his lackluster performance, Jost was able to secure a one-way contract-albeit at league minimum-with the Hurricanes this summer. At first, it was thought that he would be sitting in the press box for the Hurricanes' home opener against the Lightning. Since Jackson Blake was called up, that scenario has evolved. Either an AHL demotion or a waiver claim by a different team after going on waivers will probably cause his status to change to being off the active roster.

Jost has played in 456 games over the course of eight NHL seasons with the Avalanche, Wild, and Sabres. He has 57 goals, 83 assists, 140 points (0.31 per game), and a -14 rating.

Despite having a relatively low shooting percentage of 8.3%, he is a consistent shooter, averaging 123 shots on goal every 82 games. With a 39.9 FOW%, the natural center also has trouble winning draws. Next summer, he'll be a UFA.

The Hurricanes, who still have Tyson Jost in the fold and Jesper Fast on LTIR after neck surgery, have $2.35 million available according to PuckPedia. The group's depth will be further diminished as Fast is sidelined for the most of the year while he heals.