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Devils waive Olesz

RustyOlesz

It appears Rostislav Olesz’s NHL return could be short-lived.

On Monday, the Devils placed Olesz on waivers after he made just 10 appearances for the club, notching two assists and no goals. The 28-year-old Czech -- who hadn’t played in the NHL since 2011-12 -- inked a deal with New Jersey right at the start of July’s free agency period, agreeing to a one-year, $1 million deal after being bought out by the Blackhawks during the compliance window.

(Should be noted $300,000 of the $1 million deal was a signing bonus contingent upon games played. It’s unclear how many Olesz needed to attain the bonus.)

The seventh overall pick at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Olesz looked like he was on his way to a productive career following two solid seasons in Florida under current Devils head coach Peter DeBoer. Olesz scored a career-high 14 goals in 2009-10, then posted 17 points in 44 games during an injury-shortened 2010-11 campaign.

A good scorer at the AHL level -- he had 60 points in 64 games over two seasons with AHL Rockford after the Blackhawks acquired him from Florida -- Olesz might get scooped up by a team looking for depth at forward, though his price tag might dissuade clubs from taking a chance.