2 Players Hit Waivers Around The NHL - 01/22/24 - NHL Trade Rumors

It has been a fairly busy Monday as two players have been placed on waivers, one from the Edmonton Oilers and the other from the Montreal Canadiens. These players being Adam Erne and Mitchell Stephens.

Erne (EDM) & Stephens (MON) on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 22, 2024

It was announced today, Jan. 22, that Corey Perry had signed a one-year deal with the Oilers. As they didn't have enough cap space to just add him, even at league minimum, Erne was the casualty. He was scratched in the Oilers' most recent game with Sam Gagner coming back into the lineup and scoring the game-winner in the Battle of Alberta. Erne has one goal and two points in 23 games for the Oilers this season and it will be his second time spending time in the AHL this season. He was in the minors earlier in the season where he scored one goal in four games.

As for Stephens, Eric Engels said that the Canadiens not only placed him on waivers, but also sent Justin Barron down to the AHL as well. He went on to say that it is expected that Tanner Pearson will be activated from the IR and Arber Xhekaj may be coming up to the NHL. Stephens was serving as the fourth line center and has scored two goals and three points in 23 games this season. He has played a lot more games in the AHL this season and has been more productive, recording three goals and 12 points in 16 games.