This afternoon, it was announced that the Minnesota Wild have put forwards Vinni Lettieri and Jake Lucchini on waivers. So far this year, Lettieri has played in 32 games for Minnesota and has seven points (three goals and four assists). Lucchini has played in 21 games and has two points (a goal and an assist). These players aren’t being put on waivers because of bad play. There are a few reasons this might occur beyond just a simple re-assignment to the AHL.
Make Room for Possible Trades
An NHL team can only have 23 players on their active list at any given time. As the Trade Deadline is coming up fast, they may simply be putting Lucchini and Lettieri on waivers so that they can make trades happen. Having two open roster spots gives flexibility for any upcoming trades. The rule is that any waivers need to be done by Thursday so that everyone clears before the Friday deadline.
Khusnutdinov Is On His Way
As all Wild fans know, Marat Khusnutdinov is on his way and expected to arrive in Minnesota towards the end of the week. The Wild aren’t bringing him over just to sit out. He’ll need a roster spot once he is here and acclimated.
AHL Playoffs Are Coming Up
The Iowa Wild have had a tough season, and, just like the Minnesota Wild, the playoffs are not a certainty right now. That being said, if Iowa does clinch a spot, Lucchini and Lettieri would now be available to play in the AHL playoffs for them. They would also be eligible to play for other AHL teams in the playoffs if they are picked up from waivers or potentially traded.
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