Blame it on the price or some other factor, but Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jakub Kindl cleared waivers on Sunday, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
During Saturday’s Headlines segment, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Red Wings would likely go all the way with demoting Kindl to the AHL.
On that price:
Kindl's contract obviously a factor. $2.4M cap hit this season and next. Makes $2.5M this season and $3M next season.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 10, 2016
Now, perhaps the Red Wings could trade Kindl at some point, but apparently other teams didn’t want to take on the blueliner at that full cap hit.
Factors in Kindl not being claimed
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) January 10, 2016
1. Big contract for bottom-pairing
2. Fancystats underappreciated by GMs
3. Err'body got projects on D
It’s possible that Kyle Quincey’s potential return (and the $4.25 million cap hit) is causing some of Detroit’s cap crunch, which necessitates this move ... and maybe others?
It's possible this makes Kindl easier to trade. If DET retains 1/2 salary, they save $250K cap & other GM can send him straight to the AHL
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) January 10, 2016
Again, more on that here.