The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed veteran forward Conor Sheary on waivers, effectively terminating his contract. This decision, finalized Sunday, allows the Lightning to move forward without the remaining obligations of his three-year, $2 million annual deal. Sheary’s time with the team was limited to just five games, a stark contrast to his previous success with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won two Stanley Cups during his first two NHL seasons in 2016 and 2017. The Lightning’s decision was largely driven by salary cap constraints; Sheary spent the majority of last season in the American Hockey League (AHL) due to the team’s financial limitations. At 33 years old, Sheary brings a wealth of experience to the table, boasting 124 goals and 267 points across 593 career NHL games with stints in Buffalo and Washington. His track record speaks for itself, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively and provide valuable leadership. The current NHL signing period opens on Tuesday, making Sheary an unrestricted free agent, presenting the Lightning with an opportunity to reassess their roster needs. His 2023-2024 season concluded with four goals and 15 points in 62 games, showcasing a consistent level of performance despite the limited playing time. The Lightning’s move reflects a strategic approach to managing their salary cap and potentially opening up roster space for younger, rising talent. Sheary’s experience will undoubtedly be valued by any team seeking a seasoned forward.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken have also made a roster move, placing forward Joe Velenos on unconditional waivers for a buyout. This decision, also finalized Sunday, allows the Kraken to eliminate the final year of his contract, which carried a $2.275 million salary. Velenos’ time with Seattle was short-lived, spanning just a few weeks following his acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks last week in a trade that sent forward Andre Burakovsky to Chicago. Throughout his NHL career, Velenos has accumulated 38 goals and 81 points in 306 games, primarily with the Detroit Red Wings over his first four-plus seasons. The trade of Burakovsky to Chicago highlights the Kraken’s willingness to re-evaluate their roster and potentially acquire assets for the future. Velenos, at 25 years old, possesses a significant amount of NHL experience and represents a player who has demonstrated offensive capabilities throughout his career. The Kraken’s decision to buy out Velenos’ contract suggests a strategic shift in their approach to roster construction. The acquisition of Burakovsky last week aimed to bolster their forward depth, but the subsequent buyout of Velenos indicates a reassessment of that strategy. Velenos’ experience will be valuable to any team seeking a reliable, veteran presence. The Kraken's move underscores the dynamic nature of roster management within the NHL, where teams constantly adapt to optimize their performance and financial outlook. This latest transaction adds to the ongoing roster adjustments taking place across the league as teams prepare for the upcoming signing period.