Kraken Place Grubauer On Waivers, Blues' Saad Clears

Waivers in the NHL have been busy the last couple of days with some big moves. Brandon Saad was placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues and has just cleared after going unclaimed, but that was expected. The big news today is the Seattle Kraken have placed goaltender Philipp Grubauer on waivers.

Joey Daccord clearly took control of the net in Seattle with his play last season and has carried that forth through this season. While Daccord has led the Kraken to a 17-12-2 record while he's been in the net, Grubauer has a 5-15-1 record and it isn't bad luck.

In 10 fewer starts and 12 fewer games played than Daccord this season, Grubauer has allowed just four fewer goals (74) in 21 starts. Grubauer has a 3.83 GAA and .866 SV%. That just isn't close to cutting it in the NHL with all of the talent that's available, either in the NHL or in another league.

Grubauer is by far the worst goalie in the NHL this season with a goals saved above expected of -17.5. The next closest goalie to him is Alexandar Georgiev with -11.3 in nine more games played.

The Kraken signed Grubauer in free agency in 2021 and he is in the fourth of a six-year deal at $5.9 million AAV. His career completely flipped once leaving the Colorado Avalanche as he has failed to post higher than a .899 SV% in any of the four seasons since signing with Seattle. He even posted a league-leading seven shutouts in his final season with the Avalanche and finished third in Vezina Trophy voting that season.

I don't see any reason for any team to claim Grubauer off of waivers and he should be assigned to the AHL tomorrow. He is definitely a buyout candidate this offseason as Daccord is the clear starter and his new contract of $5 million AAV kicks in next season. The Kraken have a few options to recall, but I expect the team to acquire a goalie soon.

Photo credit: © Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images