Three players placed on NHL waivers today, including a former 1st round pick

Three players have come across the waiver wire today, all of them with some NHL experience and pedigree.

Up for grabs we've got:

• Zach Aston-Reese, Columbus Blue Jackets
• Brendan Gaunce, Columbus Blue Jackets
• Dakota Mermis, Toronto Maple Leafs

Of these available players, Aston-Reese by far has the most NHL experience and appeal around the league. With 415 NHL games split between the Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins he's been a staple of 3rd and 4th lines in the NHL for nearly a decade now. Don't be surprised if he gets a fresh start somewhere new tomorrow.

As for Gaunce and Mermis... they're simply NHL/AHL tweeners and are unlikely to generate much interest league-wide.