2 NHL Players Placed on Waivers While All-Stars Toil Away in Toronto

The Colorado Avalanche were thought to be looking for a backup goaltender on the trade market, and now that need has apparently become even more acute, as they've placed backup Ivan Prosvetov on waivers. 

Prosvetov (COL) on waivers

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 3, 2024

While All-Star Alexandar Georgiev has had a strong season for the Avs, and leads the NHL in appearances with 41, and wins with 27, Prosvetov hasn't exactly inspired a lot of confidence in his eight starts (4-3-1), and now appears headed to the AHL, if he clears waivers. 

The Russian keeper was claimed off waivers by Colorado before the season after regular backup Pavel Francouz went down to injury (he's since returned to Czechia with a lower-body injury that will keep him out for the entire season). 

Unless they're able to obtain one of the available goalies on the trade market before their next game on Monday, it appears the Avs will go with 23-year-old prospect Justus Annunen as the backup. Aside from one start for Colorado, he's spent his season in the AHL, recording a 2.65 goals against and a .908 save percentage in 23 games. 

Also going on waivers is Vegas Golden Knights blueliner Brayden Pachal. This is the second time the 24-year-old will hit the waiver wire this year, as he went unclaimed in training camp. He stayed with Vegas, however, mostly occupying time in the press box.

An undrafted defenseman who the Knights brought on board in 2019, he's seen limited action with the big club, getting into just 17 games and recording one point this season. He's played in 12 previous games at the NHL level over as well. 

With right-shot D-men in demand, and being on a minimum salary contract with another year after this one, it's possible that Pachal could get claimed.

His placement is likely indicative of one of the Golden Knights' injured blueliners being ready to return to the lineup, with Ben Hutton, Tobias Bjornfot and Daniil Miromanov each said to be close. 

 Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports