Understanding Cleared Waivers in Hockey: All You Need to Know

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on cleared waivers in hockey! Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned fan, understanding waivers is crucial to following the sport.

Waivers are a mechanism used in the National Hockey League (NHL) to give teams the ability to move players between the NHL and the minor leagues without losing them to other teams. Players who meet certain eligibility requirements are subject to being placed on waivers when a team wants to send them down to the minors.

So, what does it mean when a player has cleared waivers? And who is eligible for waivers? How does the process work? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this guide, so keep reading to become an expert on cleared waivers in hockey!

From understanding the intricacies of the waiver process to knowing what happens after a player clears waivers, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

What are Waivers in Hockey?

When it comes to the NHL, waivers are an important part of managing a team’s roster. In simple terms, waivers are a process by which a player can be claimed by another team if they are placed on waivers by their current team. This is used to ensure a certain level of parity among the league’s teams and to allow players who may not be seeing playing time to find a new home elsewhere.

However, it’s not as simple as just placing a player on waivers and hoping for the best. In order to place a player on waivers, they must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include factors such as a player’s age, experience level, and contract status, among other things. Once a player is placed on waivers, other teams have a certain amount of time to decide whether or not to claim them.

While waivers can be a complex process, they play a vital role in keeping the league’s teams competitive and ensuring that players are able to find new homes when necessary. In the next sections, we’ll take a closer look at how waivers work in hockey, who is eligible for waivers, and what it means to have cleared waivers.

Definition of Waivers in Hockey

Before we dive into what it means to clear waivers in hockey, let’s first understand what waivers are. In hockey, waivers are a mechanism that allows teams to send a player from their active roster to their minor league affiliate or to another team’s minor league affiliate without the player’s consent. When a player is placed on waivers, every other team in the league has the opportunity to claim the player for their own active roster.

The purpose of waivers is to maintain a level playing field and prevent teams from stockpiling talent on their roster. It also provides an opportunity for players who are not seeing regular playing time to potentially be claimed by another team and get more ice time.

It’s important to note that not all players are subject to waivers. Certain players, such as rookies and players who have played in a certain number of games or have a certain number of years of experience, may be exempt from waivers.

How Does Waivers Work in Hockey?

Waivers are a mechanism that NHL teams use to manage their rosters, and they are an essential component of the league’s salary cap system. When a team puts a player on waivers, other teams have the option to claim that player and assume their contract. If a player goes unclaimed, they are assigned to the AHL, which is the NHL’s top minor league. Here are some key things to know about how waivers work in hockey:

Waivers are designed to promote fairness and parity in the NHL. By giving all teams an equal chance to claim a player, the league ensures that talent is distributed more evenly across the league. Additionally, waivers prevent teams from hiding players on their rosters to avoid paying their contracts.

The waiver process is based on a priority list, which determines the order in which teams can claim players. The priority list is based on each team’s current position in the standings. The team with the fewest points has the highest priority, while the team with the most points has the lowest priority.

There are two types of waivers in the NHL: unconditional waivers and regular waivers. Unconditional waivers are used to terminate a player’s contract, while regular waivers are used to assign a player to the AHL. Once a player is placed on waivers, they remain on the waiver wire for 24 hours, during which time other teams can claim them.

When are Players Placed on Waivers?

There are several reasons why a player might be placed on waivers. One of the most common reasons is when a team wants to send a player to their minor league affiliate. This could be because the player needs more development, isn’t performing well, or simply isn’t fitting in with the team’s plans. Another reason for placing a player on waivers is when a team needs to create room on their roster for a new signing or a player returning from injury.

Players can also be placed on waivers when they are bought out of their contract or when they are on a two-way contract and the team wants to send them to the minor leagues. Additionally, players can be placed on waivers during the NHL trade deadline when teams are making last-minute moves to strengthen their rosters.

It’s important to note that not all players are eligible for waivers. Players who have played fewer than 80 NHL games are exempt from waivers, as are players who are on their entry-level contracts. Other players who are exempt from waivers include those who are injured, players who are over the age of 35, and those who have been out of the NHL for more than a year.

What Happens When a Player is Claimed off Waivers?

When a player is claimed off waivers, the new team assumes the player’s existing contract and places the player on their active roster. This means the player is no longer available to the team that placed them on waivers.

The team that claims the player off waivers must also pay a waiver fee to the league, which is typically $1,000. If multiple teams claim the same player, the team with the lowest current standing in the league gets priority.

Once a player has been claimed off waivers, they cannot be placed on waivers again for at least 30 days or until they have played in at least 10 games for their new team.

What Does It Mean to Clear Waivers in Hockey?

Clearing waivers means that a player who was placed on waivers has not been claimed by any other team and can be assigned to any league or team. This process is also known as being sent down.

When a player is placed on waivers and is not claimed, they are said to have cleared waivers, and the team that placed them on waivers has a few options. They can keep the player on their NHL roster, assign them to their AHL affiliate, or loan them to another professional league.

Players who are placed on waivers and clear waivers can be recalled to their NHL team at any time without having to go through the waiver process again, as long as they have not exceeded a certain number of games or days with their NHL team.

It is also important to note that once a player is placed on waivers, they cannot be traded until they clear waivers or are claimed by another team. This restriction is known as the waiver period.

Clearing waivers can be a difficult process for players, as it often means that they are being demoted or are at risk of being traded or released by their team. However, it is also an important tool for teams to manage their rosters and ensure that they have the best possible lineup on the ice.

Explanation of Cleared Waivers in Hockey

Cleared waivers refer to a player who has gone unclaimed during the waiver process. When a player is waived, the other NHL teams have a certain amount of time to claim the player and assume his existing contract. If no team claims the player, he is said to have cleared waivers and can be sent to the AHL or remain with the NHL team.

It’s important to note that once a player is placed on waivers, he cannot be traded until he clears or is claimed by another team. The player’s team also has the option to pull him off waivers at any time before the waiver claim period ends, but this can only be done once per season.

Players who have cleared waivers can be sent down to the AHL without going through the waiver process again, as long as the player does not meet the waiver requirements again. The waiver requirements are based on a player’s age and years of professional experience.

It’s not uncommon for teams to place players on waivers with the hopes that they clear, allowing the team to send them down to the AHL without losing them to another team. This is often a strategic move made to create more roster flexibility and salary cap space.

In summary, a player who has cleared waivers has gone unclaimed and can be sent down to the AHL or remain with the NHL team. Once a player clears waivers, he can be sent down to the AHL without going through the waiver process again, as long as he does not meet the waiver requirements again.

What are Unconditional Waivers in Hockey?

Unconditional waivers in hockey are a type of waiver that a team can place a player on to terminate their contract, without the player’s consent. Unlike regular waivers, where the player can be claimed by another team, unconditional waivers allow the team to completely cut ties with the player.

Unconditional waivers are typically used when a team wants to buy out a player’s contract, or when the player and team mutually agree to terminate their contract. This can occur when a player is not performing up to expectations or when the team needs to clear cap space.

It’s important to note that once a player is placed on unconditional waivers, they become a free agent and can sign with any team in the league. However, the team that placed the player on unconditional waivers is still responsible for paying the player the remaining salary owed on their contract, unless they’ve come to a buyout agreement.

Unconditional waivers can be a useful tool for teams looking to make changes to their roster or clear cap space, but it’s important to use them wisely as they can have long-term financial implications for the team.

Understanding the different types of waivers in hockey, including unconditional waivers, is important for fans and team executives alike. Whether you’re following your favorite team’s roster moves or analyzing the league’s salary cap situation, having a good grasp of waiver rules can help you make sense of the NHL’s ever-changing landscape.

What are Conditional Waivers in Hockey?

Conditional waivers in hockey are waivers that come with specific conditions that must be met in order for a player to be claimed by another team. The most common condition is that the player must be assigned to the team’s minor league affiliate for a set number of games or a specific period of time. If the player is not claimed by another team during the waiver period, the team can then assign the player to the minor leagues or keep him on their roster.

Another condition that can be attached to conditional waivers is that the team claiming the player must keep him on their NHL roster for a certain period of time. This is usually done to prevent a team from claiming a player simply to prevent him from being claimed by a rival team.

Teams can also use conditional waivers to place a player on waivers and gauge interest from other teams without risking losing the player for nothing. If no team claims the player, the team can then reassign him to the minor leagues or keep him on their roster.

It is important to note that conditional waivers are only available to players who have already cleared regular waivers or are exempt from them due to their age or experience in the league.

Who is Eligible for Waivers in Hockey?

Not all players are eligible for waivers in hockey. Generally, players who are 18 years of age or older and have played a certain number of games at the professional level are eligible. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Players who are exempt from waivers include those who have played less than a certain number of games at the professional level, those on entry-level contracts, and those on injured reserve. However, there are certain rules and conditions that apply to these exemptions.

It’s important to note that waivers can be a complicated process in hockey, and the rules can vary depending on the league and situation. Teams and players alike must navigate the waiver process carefully to ensure they are in compliance with the rules and regulations.

When are Players Eligible for Waivers in Hockey?

Age: Players who are 18 years old and have completed their entry-level contract are eligible for waivers.

Professional Experience: If a player has played a certain number of professional games, they may also become eligible for waivers. This number varies depending on the league and level of play.

Contract Status: Players who are on one-way contracts or have exceeded a certain salary threshold may be eligible for waivers. This is because these players are often deemed less valuable to the team due to their high salary.

Who is Exempt from Waivers in Hockey?

Rookies: Players who have not played in more than a certain number of games, which is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), are exempt from waivers.

Injured Players: Players who are injured and unable to play are exempt from waivers. However, once they are healthy enough to return to play, they must be placed on waivers if they meet the waiver criteria.

Emergency Call-Ups: Players who are called up from the minor leagues on an emergency basis due to injuries on the NHL team are exempt from waivers.

Why Do NHL Teams Put Players on Waivers?

Salary Cap Management: One of the primary reasons why NHL teams put players on waivers is to manage their salary cap. If a player is sent down to the minors, their salary no longer counts against the team’s cap.

Improve Team Performance: NHL teams may also put players on waivers if they are not performing up to the expected level. By putting a player on waivers, the team may be able to bring in a new player who can help improve the team’s performance.

Contract Issues: If a team has too many players under contract and needs to make room for a new player, they may put one of their current players on waivers. This can also be done if a player has a contract that the team wants to get rid of.

Exposure to Other Teams: When a player is put on waivers, they become available to other NHL teams. This allows other teams to potentially pick up the player without having to trade for them.

Development: Sometimes a player is put on waivers to be sent down to the minor leagues to continue their development. This can be especially important for young players who need more ice time to develop their skills.

Reasons for Placing Players on Waivers

Injury: A player who is injured and cannot play for an extended period can be placed on waivers so the team can send them to the minors without risk of losing them to another team.

Salary Cap Flexibility: Teams may place a player on waivers to gain some salary cap flexibility. By sending an expensive player to the minors, the team can free up cap space to sign other players.

Underperforming: If a player is underperforming or not living up to expectations, a team may place them on waivers to send a message or try to motivate them to improve their performance.

Development: Young players who are not quite ready for the NHL may be placed on waivers to gain more playing time and experience in the minors.

What Happens After a Player Clears Waivers in Hockey?

Once a player clears waivers, they can be assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) or stay with their team. If the player is assigned to the AHL, they can be recalled at any time.

If the player is not claimed after 24 hours, they are said to have “cleared waivers” and can be assigned to the AHL without being subject to waivers again for 30 days or 10 games played, whichever comes first.

Clearing waivers can be both good and bad for a player. It can be good in the sense that they can continue to play professional hockey, albeit at a lower level. On the other hand, it can be bad because it signals that no other team was willing to claim them, potentially indicating a lack of value to other teams.

Can a Player be Sent to the Minors After Clearing Waivers?

Yes, a player can be sent to the minor leagues after clearing waivers. Once a player clears waivers and is not claimed by another team, they can be assigned to their team’s minor league affiliate without having to clear waivers again. This is known as being “assigned to the minors” or “sent down.”

If a player is assigned to the minors, their NHL salary no longer counts against the team’s salary cap while they are in the minors. However, their NHL contract still remains in effect and they can be called back up to the NHL at any time, as long as they clear waivers again if necessary.

It’s important to note that a player can only be sent to the minors if they have not been designated as exempt from waivers or if they have already cleared waivers. If a player has not cleared waivers and is not exempt, they must be claimed by another team or stay on the NHL team’s roster.

What is the Purpose of Re-Entry Waivers?

Re-entry waivers were introduced in the NHL in 2005 as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Their purpose is to provide a second chance for players who have previously cleared regular waivers to be claimed by another team.

When a team puts a player on re-entry waivers, any team can claim the player and only pay half of his salary while the original team pays the other half. This means that if a team wants to bring a player back to the NHL after he cleared regular waivers, they can put him on re-entry waivers to give other teams a chance to claim him.

However, re-entry waivers are not used very often in the NHL. This is because most teams do not want to risk losing a player for half of his salary, and would rather keep him in the minors or on their NHL roster.

Overall, re-entry waivers provide a way for teams to potentially bring a player back to the NHL without having to pay his full salary, while also giving other teams a chance to claim him.

Frequently Asked Questions