ICYMI: Two NHL veterans hit the waiver wire

In case you missed it, NHL veterans Matt Beleskey of the New York Rangers and Mario Kempe of the Arizona Coyotes have been placed on waivers.

While Kempe and his two goals and four points in 22 NHL games may not elicit much interest from across the NHL, there’s a chance that someone takes a chance on the 30 year old Beleskey. The gritty winger hasn’t played for the Rangers yet this season and managed just one game for the Rangers in 2017-18 after being acquired from the Boston Bruins as part of the return for Rick Nash. Beleskey went pointless in 15 games between the Bruins and Rangers last season, but put up five goals and 12 points in 35 games split between the Providence Bruins and Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season. He’s just two years removed from a 15 goal 37 point performance with the Bruins and three years removed from a 22 goal, 32 point performance with the Anaheim Ducks. 

The sticking point? Beleskey still has a season left on his five year, $19 million deal that comes with a $3.8 million cap hit. There’s no denying that Beleskey is a quality NHL player, but at that price there are few teams that can afford to take him on. 

As for Kempe, the 30 year old Swedish winger is expected to pass through waivers and accept assignment to the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate Tucson Roadrunners.