Bruins place 2-time Stanley Cup champion on waive wire

Last weekend, the Boston Bruins faced a notable decision when the New York Islanders placed forward Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers. Although his recent performance hadn’t stood out, his untapped potential made him an intriguing option for Boston, which was seeking depth at right wing.

 

The Bruins claimed Wahlstrom, the 11th overall pick in the 2018 Entry Draft, and he participated in his first practice with the team on Tuesday in Calgary ahead of their 4-3 overtime win against the Flames. However, interim coach Joe Sacco stuck with the same lineup that secured a win over Vancouver last Saturday.

To officially add Wahlstrom to the roster, GM Don Sweeney likely needs to make a corresponding move, potentially involving a veteran forward.

Bruins place Tyler Johnson on waivers

 

On Thursday afternoon, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Boston Bruins placed veteran forward Tyler Johnson on waivers for contract termination. Johnson, who initially joined the team on a PTO before training camp, earned a contract in November after sticking around when the season began. In nine games with the Bruins, he recorded two assists.

When the Bruins signed Tyler Johnson, they hoped he could boost their power play, much like James van Riemsdyk did last season. While they didn’t expect him to match JVR’s production, they saw him as a potential bottom-six contributor. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out.

Johnson’s departure paves the way for Oliver Wahlstrom to potentially make his Bruins debut as early as Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers. This matchup marks the final game of Boston’s five-game road trip, where they currently sit at 2-2-0 after rebounding from tough losses to the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken.