Two NHL players placed on waivers for Nov. 7
A couple of players might be heading back to the minors this weekend.
On Saturday, the Edmonton Oilers placed defenseman Atro Leppanen on waivers, making him available to the other 31 teams in the NHL. The New York Rangers put goaltender James Reimer on waivers again, this time for the purpose of contract termination.
If Leppanen clears waivers on Sunday, he can be assigned to the Oilers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
Leppanen started the 2026-27 season on the Oilers’ non-roster/injured list, though it hasn’t been reported what was ailing the 27-year-old. He is entering his second season in North America, having spent all of last year with the Condors. In 53 games, he scored 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points, leading all Condors in defensive scoring. The Finnish rearguard also potted a goal in three Calder Cup Playoff games.
Reimer was first put on waivers on Thursday, in order to make room for fellow netminder Joonas Korpisalo. He backed up Dylan Garand in Thursday night’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, but with Korpisalo nearing a return to the lineup, the Rangers need to make room on their roster.
Reimer signed a one-year contract with the Rangers last month, giving the team goaltending depth amid injury woes for Korpisalo and Igor Shesterkin. He’s dressed in four games, only making one start. That came last Monday, when he gave up three goals on eight shots against the Los Angeles Kings before being pulled after the first period. The 38-year-old’s cap hit is a prorated $850,000.
While Reimer was put on waivers on Friday, Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Rathbone also hit the wire. He cleared on Saturday and can now be sent down to the team’s primary affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
