Ottawa Senators place Nikita Zaitsev on waivers; Boston Bruins waive Mike Reilly
A pair of high-profile National Hockey League defenders (and a depth goaltender) landed on the waiver wire on Wednesday afternoon.
The Ottawa Senators have placed right-handed defenseman Nikita Zaitsev and goaltender Magnus Hellberg on waivers. Zaitsev, 31, is the more notable of the two: he’s under contract through the end of the 2023–24 season at a $4.5 million cap hit.
Additionally, the Boston Bruins have waived left-handed defenseman Mike Reilly, who is also signed through 2024 at a $3 million cap hit. The 29-year-old rearguard has one assist while averaging 16:44 in 10 games with the Bruins this season.
Reilly being waived comes in the wake of news that Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins’ No. 1 defenseman, will likely make his season debut in Thursday’s game against the Calgary Flames. With McAvoy set to come off long-term injured reserve, the Bruins have elected to make a corresponding roster move on defense.
Subject to the usual disclaimer of feeling well tomorrow and final clearances: #NHLBruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is expected to make his season debut tomorrow night against #Flames.
He underwent left shoulder arthroscopic stabilization surgery on June 3.@DailyFaceoff
The Senators originally acquired Zaitsev from the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2019 as part of a deal that also brought Connor Brown to Ottawa and sent Cody Ceci to Toronto. Zaitsev has struggled mightily in seven games with the Senators this season, averaging just 15:14 per night and recording one assist.
Hellberg, 31, is a journeyman goaltender who has appeared in six NHL games in five NHL seasons with four NHL teams. He signed with the Seattle Kraken this summer but never played for the team before being claimed off waivers by Ottawa; now, with Cam Talbot back in the fold, Hellberg is available on waivers once again.
The Senators started Hellberg in goal against the Dallas Stars on Oct. 24, and the 6’6″ Swede made 29 saves to help the Sens take a 4–2 win at Canadian Tire Centre. He’s under contract for this season at a $750,000 NHL cap hit.