The New York Rangers placed defenceman Sean Day on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination this morning. His contract will be terminated by the Rangers if no other NHL team lays claim on him.
Sean Day (NYR) on unconditional waivers.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 30, 2020
Sean Day on Unconditional Waivers
Day has had quite the up-and-down career path. Granted exceptional status by the OHL prior to their 2013 draft, Day’s stock dropped enough in junior that he was only picked 81st overall by the Rangers in 2016. Day didn’t turn pro until the 2018-19 season, where he still underwhelmed. Over the past two seasons, Day has split time between the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack and the ECHL’s Maine Mariners. In 16 AHL games this season, Day posted one goal and three assists for only four points. He fared much better in the ECHL, scoring five goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 36 games.
Considering Day’s unimpressive development over the past few seasons, it’s very likely that his contract will be terminated tomorrow.
What This Means for the Future
The Rangers aren’t losing out on anything here. New York’s seen enough of Day internally, and they’ve decided to move on. The scouting department and management team in the Big Apple took a flyer on Day in the third round in 2016, knowing full well he significantly underwhelmed in juniors. Unfortunately for them, their apprehensions proved correct.
The subtraction of Day’s contract frees up a contract slot for the Blueshirts. Via CapFriendly, the Rangers are using 46 of their 50 contract slots. Day’s departure will give them five opportunities to sign free agents or ink entry-level pacts this offseason, whenever that may be.
For Day, he will likely head overseas to continue his hockey career or sign a minor league deal to give himself another shot in North America.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
