Yesterday, Luca Sbisa and a slew of other players were placed on waivers. The veteran defenceman, who was claimed by the Winnipeg Jets last season, has been claimed by the Nashville Predators. He’ll look to carve out a role on the team’s bottom-two pairing in order to secure a full-time role once again. Besides Sbisa, three other players were claimed off waivers — Anton Forsberg, Rudolfs Balcers, and Eric Comrie. Everyone else placed on waivers has cleared, Eliotte Friedman reports.
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Luca Sbisa’s Career So Far
Luca Sbisa was drafted 19th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2008. Since then, he’s played 548 games, amassing 20 goals and 113 points in that timeframe. He’s played for the Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, and the Vegas Golden Knights. He played an integral role in the Golden Knights’ first season, making it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Last season, Sbisa managed 10 points in 44 games between the Ducks and the Jets. He is currently signed to a one-year, $800,000 contract through the 2021 season.
Luca Sbisa’s Role with the Predators
With a Predators roster made up of Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm, and Dante Fabbro, Sbisa makes for a solid bottom-pairing or 7D. Barring any further claims off the waivers, he may become a part of the Predators’ taxi squad, as well. Sbisa’s playoff experience may prove to be a key factor with the Predators this season as they look to make an impact in the Central Division.
Where the Other Players Are Headed
Balcers was claimed by the San Jose Sharks. The 23-year-old had 17 points in 51 games with the Ottawa Senators last season. He could serve as a strong bottom-six player in his new role. Comrie, who was waived by Winnipeg, will join the New Jersey Devils. Comrie spent last season playing between the Detroit Red Wings and the Jets. He will likely join the Devils’ taxi squad behind Mackenzie Blackwood and Kyle Wedgewood. Forsberg will return to the Hurricanes after being waived by the Edmonton Oilers. He played three games with the Hurricanes last year, compiling a 3.35 GAA and a .897 save percentage.
