In hockey, waivers refer to a process in which an NHL team can make a player available to be claimed by other teams in the league. When a player is placed on waivers, any other team can claim him within a specified timeframe. Waivers are a tool through which a team can send a player to the minors. If claimed by a team, that team must assume the player’s existing contract and it is taken off the player’s former team’s books. Waivers are often used when teams need to make roster changes due to injuries, performance issues, or salary cap constraints.

Here are some frequently asked questions about waivers in hockey:

1. Why do teams put players on waivers? Teams put players on waivers for various reasons. It could be because they want to send a player down to their minor league affiliate but need to create roster space, or because they are trying to move a player whose contract is not favorable for their team’s salary cap situation.
2. How does the waiver process work? When a player is placed on waivers, other teams have the option to claim that player and assume both their contract and playing rights. If a player clears waivers, it means that no other team claimed them, and they can be assigned to a lower league team, such as an American Hockey League (AHL) team, without any further restrictions.
3. Can an NHL team withdraw a player from waivers? Yes, an NHL team has the option to withdraw a player from waivers before the 24-hour period expires. However, once a player has been claimed by another team, they cannot be withdrawn.
4. How long does a player stay on waivers in hockey? When a player is placed on waivers, they remain on waivers for 24 hours.
5. Which players are typically put on waivers? Waivers are commonly used for players who have struggled with their performance, have a high salary, or need playing time in a lower league to further develop their skills.
6. Can a team recall a player who has been claimed off waivers? If a team claims a player off waivers, they must keep him on their NHL roster for a minimum period of time before he can be sent down to the minors. This prevents teams from claiming a player and immediately placing him back on waivers.

In summary, waivers in hockey are a way for teams to manage their player roster and contracts, giving them the flexibility to make necessary changes without losing a player’s rights entirely.