The next 24 hours in the National Hockey League (NHL) are set to be interesting as several talented players saw their names listed on waivers on Friday, including Russia’s Grigori Denisenko.
The left winger, the 15th hockey player selected in the 2018 draft, has been slow to establish himself with the Florida Panthers. In recent years, the 23-year-old athlete has been able to commute between the big club and the American League because he was exempt from waivers. Now that he has signed a two-year contract, he can be offered to any other team.
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In 26 games over three seasons at Florida, Denisenko scored seven points. He had his most productive season in the American League in 2022–2023 with 36 points in 56 games but a -18 differential.
The Panthers clearly have no confidence in young goaltender Spencer Knight, who was traded to the Charlotte Checkers. The team should start the year with Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz in net.
Knight could get consistent playing time in the American League to regain his confidence. The 22-year-old American had a difficult last year on and off the ice. In particular, he pursued the special NHL player assistance program.
Knight has a contract until 2026 and an average annual salary of $4.5 million. He has a career record of 32-17-6, a save percentage of .906 and a goals-against average of 2.91.