Islanders Waive 21M$ Ex-Maple Leafs Forward Despite Six Years Left on His Contract

The NHL waiver wire can be a fun place for fans to keep themselves entertained as the preseason comes to a close. Whether your favorite team places a player on waivers or not there is likely a player who at least used to play for your favorite team that is on waivers. Today this was the case for the Toronto Maple Leafs as former forward Pierre Engvall was placed on waivers by the New York Islanders in just year 2 of a 7-year extension.

Pierre Engvall spent much of the beginning of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being drafted in the 7th round of the 2014 NHL Draft. Engvall was originally acquired by the New York Islanders in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The trade at the time was seen as a big win for the New York Islanders as Pierre Engvall was a big forward who fit the system that the Islanders like to play. However, just a year later General Manager Lou Lamoriello was forced to waive the Swedish forward a decision which he commented on earlier today.

In a new press conference after making the move New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello spoke about the decision to waive Pierre Engvall. He confirmed that Pierre Engvall was expected to be on the roster but did enough to lose his spot. That spot will now be given to young Russian forward Maxim Tsyplakov.

With the NHL season approaching the New York Islanders now have to decide what to do with Pierre Engvall. He likely won't be claimed on waivers due to his huge contract but the Islanders could still have a way out.

Despite being placed on waivers there is conversation about a potential trade involving Pierre Engvall. He possesses a 15-team no-trade clause but of course, would likely be willing to waive it for an NHL opportunity.

Over the next 24 hours, Pierre Engvall's future will become more clear. If he gets through waivers then the next step is a potential trade. Despite having familiarity with the Toronto Maple Leafs we likely won't see Brad Treliving and the Leafs show interest.