Waiver release leads to contract termination after player’s change of heart

On Thursday, the Washington Capitals placed forward Sheldon Rempal on waivers, with one goal in mind. Terminating his contract.

It was therefore made official on Friday when Rampal cleared in order for the Caps to accommodate the player’s desire to pursue opportunities overseas.

An undrafted free agent since 2018 in the NHL, Rempal signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Capitals back in September. He had appeared in four games for the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears this season, scoring a goal and adding an assist.

He had previously taken part in 21 NHL games over five seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights, spent last season with the Kontinental Hockey League’s Ufa Salavat Yulayev where he had 31 goals and 30 assists in 68 games. He also led the league in playoff scoring with 21 points in 19 games despite his team not even reaching the Gagarin Cup finals.

Rempal will most likely head back to Russia for another stint in the KHL. A contract announcement could come shortly.

There was no new player on waivers on Friday.