Predators Claim 2 Players, Blue Jackets Claim 1

It is a very busy day for waivers one day ahead of the trade deadline, but not just for players hitting waivers. From the batch of players placed on waivers yesterday, three have been claimed.

The Nashville Predators claimed Jordan Oesterle from the Boston Bruins and Jakub Vrana from the Washington Capitals. The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Christian Fischier from the Detroit Red Wings.

Nashville claimed Jordan Oesterle and Jakub Vrana.

Columbus claimed Christian Fischer.

Full list added to waivers: Ryan Reaves (TOR), Riley Stillman (CAR), Evan Cormier (FLA), Cameron Hebig (UTA), Tyler Pitlick (BOS).

Jesse Puljujarvi cleared.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 6, 2025

This is definitely an interesting move from the Predators as it isn't very often a team makes multiple waiver claims on the same day. There are injuries to the back-end in Nashville, so Oesterle, a proven depth defenseman in the NHL, has experience and can fill a hole for the rest of the season. The team also just dealt Luke Schenn to the Pittsburgh Penguins, so there is a spot on the roster.

As for Vrana, recently acquired Bunting is on the injured reserve and Tommy Novak is also now a Penguin. This, along with the recent trade of Gustav Nyquist, opens up a need for a body in the NHL. Vrana, when he has played, has been effective and has a shooting percentage of 25% this season. He has seven goals and 11 points in 26 games, but the Capitals have just been too good to get him into more games. The Predators need scoring and he has always brought that. While Vrana is a UFA after the season, Oesterle is still under contract for one more year.

The Red Wings have finally moved on from Fischier, who has one goal and seven points in 45 games this season. During a playoff push, they are looking for more effective players. The Blue Jackets, who are also in the midst of a playoff race in the East, have Sean Monahan, Cole Sillinger, and Kevin Labanc all out, so they need a little help.

Fischier really needed a fresh start and he did score 13 goals just two seasons ago with the Arizona Coyotes. He should be able to slot right into the lineup and is a UFA at the end of the season.