Cal Petersen clears waivers, former 1st round pick up for grabs

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Cal Petersen has officially cleared waivers and can now be assigned to the AHL's Ontario Reign.

From NHL insider Chris Johnston:

The 28 year old goaltender has struggled since signing a three year contract worth $5 million per season with the team last year. He once looked to be the successor for veteran Jonathan Quick, but has struggled mightily this season and sports a 3.75 GAA and .868 save percentage in 10 starts. Still... I thought that there may be a team out there willing to take a chance on him, but with news today that he has cleared waivers successfully it doesn't appear to be the case.

Petersen allowed four goals in a 9-8 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, the highest-scoring game of the NHL season. He has allowed at least three or more goals in five of his past six starts, with four of them coming despite facing fewer than 30 shots. Still, he remains on the team's roster and AHL starter Pheonix Copley has not yet been recalled. So maybe, just maybe, placing him on waivers was more about sending a message than anything? In any case, what this displays to me more than anything is just how much value the Kings have gotten out of Quick the past decade. I mean, here's a guy, a GOALIE of all positions, who signed a 10 year contract and is still worth it after 10 years. He has earned a $5.8 million salary every year dating back to 2013-14 and I don't think you'd find too many people out there saying he's been overpaid. Just remarkable consistency, especially from a goaltender. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that Quick's contract might be the best value in a goaltending contract in NHL history.

Now, as for the day's other waiver news, the Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Kieffer Bellows on waivers.

The 24 year old former 19th overall pick (2016 NHL Entry Draft) was already waived once this season by the New York Islanders and then claimed by the Flyers. After 11 pointless games with the Flyers though it looks like Bellows' shot with the team has come to an end. Next up? AHL or another fresh start with a new NHL team?