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Nylander clears waivers ahead of G.M. meetings this week
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Both of Nyls' DC stints have been short (capitals.nhl)
The continuing efforts of Capitals management to find a way to rid themselves of center Michael Nylander and his cap-unfriendly contract took a step forward when the veteran cleared waivers Monday. Nylander was highly sought as a free agent by G.M. George McPhee in 2007, but a major shoulder surgery and inability of head coach Bruce Boudreau to work Nylander’s style of play into his system combined with the center’s high cap number and made him persona non grata entering the current season.
That Nylander had to agree to be placed waivers and evidently did so signifies a change in mindset. Nylander’s previous adherence to the no-movement clause in his contract created a logjam on the active roster. The numbers crunch led to the questionable decision to expose Chris Bourque, the 33rd pick in the 2004 draft who tallied 73 points AHL play last season, via waivers. Bourque was quickly claimed by the archrival Penguins, negating the Caps’ long-term investment in Bourque’s development.
Nylander recently accepted a rehab assignment in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The move was to the benefit of both parties, as it allowed Nylander to be showcased to prospective suitors in both the NHL and Russia’s KHL. Nylander’s clearing of waivers coincides with an NHL general managers meeting that starts tomorrow in Toronto. If McPhee manages to move Nylander and his $4.875 cap hit off of the books, the resulting flexibility will be a critical boost to any efforts to bolstering the roster now or at the trading deadline. Moreover, it will remove what has been a significant distraction to a team that hopes to build momentum that carries into the playoffs.
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