NHL Waiver Moves: Conor Sheary and Joe Veleno
In a significant move within the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forward Conor Sheary on unconditional waivers with the intent to terminate his contract. This decision comes after a difficult season for the 33-year-old athlete, who was restricted to only five games with the Lightning, spending much of the previous season in the AHL due to the team’s salary cap issues.
Conor Sheary’s Career Overview
Sheary, a seasoned player with a decade-long career, had one additional year remaining on his three-year deal, which carried a salary of $2 million for the upcoming season. Notably, he has a history of success, having been part of the Pittsburgh Penguins roster when they clinched the Stanley Cup in both 2016 and 2017. Signing as a free agent with Tampa Bay two years ago, he recorded a modest tally of four goals and 15 points over 62 games during his time with the franchise.
Throughout his career, Sheary has also donned the jerseys of the Buffalo Sabres and the Washington Capitals, amassing a total of 124 goals and 267 points in 593 NHL appearances. If he goes unclaimed off waivers, he will enter unrestricted free agency when the NHL’s signing period opens on Tuesday.
Seattle Kraken’s Move with Joe Veleno
In a related development, the Seattle Kraken have also placed forward Joe Veleno on unconditional waivers, aiming to buy out the last year of his contract, which was set at $2.275 million. Veleno, 25, has accrued five seasons of NHL experience and was brought to Seattle just last week in a deal that involved sending winger Andre Burakovsky to the Chicago Blackhawks. Previously, Veleno spent over four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, tallying 38 goals and 81 points across 306 games.
These waiver placements illustrate the ongoing maneuvering teams are engaging in as they adjust their rosters in preparation for the upcoming season.
