Zboril clears and Jets place veteran forward on waivers

This just in, Boston Bruins defenseman Jakub Zboril has officially cleared waivers and can assigned to the team's AHL affiliate Providence Bruins.

Additionally, the Winnipeg Jets have placed forward Dominic Toninato on waivers today.

From NHL salary cap resource CapFriendly:

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reports that the plan from the Bruins for Zboril was to give the former 1st round pick an opportunity for a fresh start in his NHL career elsewhere. They will not be terminating his contract and Zboril does not have plans to return to his native Czechia or elsewhere in Europe.

From Seravalli:

So now, it's unclear exactly what happens with Zboril.

The 26 year old blue liner has seven assists in 19 games with the Providence Bruins this season and managed to get into just 22 games with the NHL Bruins last season. In total, he has just one goal and 16 points in 76 career NHL games in the eight years that have passed since he was selected 13th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Look, it's clear that Zboril will never live up to his draft billings, but this recent move from the Bruins was at least a chance for him to salvage somewhat of an NHL career. It doesn't appear that anyone is interested, however.

And, to be honest... I don't know why the Bruins ever thought there'd be interest in Zboril.

I don't see too many teams out there desperate for a 26 year old defenseman with no real history of reliable play at any professional level. It's not like Zboril has been tearing it up in the AHL just waiting for his shot. His best pro season came in 2018-19 when he managed just four goals and 19 points in 56 game with the Providence Bruins.

There was some belief that Zboril might return to his hometown Brno Kometa of the Czech Extraliga and despite Seravalli reporting that opposite, I'm still willing to bet that he'll end up in his native Czech when his contract expires this upcoming offseason.