Overview
- The Buffalo Sabres placed defenseman Jack Rathbone on waivers on Friday to clear a roster spot and prepare to assign him to the Rochester Americans if he goes unclaimed.
- Any of the other 31 NHL teams may submit a claim during the 24-hour window and the highest-priority claimant would be awarded his rights.
- Rathbone has not played this season while recovering from an injury and he was activated before being placed on waivers, which makes other teams more likely to pass on claiming him.
- Rathbone is a 2017 fourth-round pick who has 28 NHL games and five career points and who spent the past two seasons with Rochester, where he produced modest offense.
- Official confirmation that Rathbone either cleared waivers or was claimed is expected at the end of the 24-hour period, and that result will determine whether he returns to Buffalo’s AHL depth or joins another NHL club.