The Chicago Blackhawks have waived veteran defenseman Rob Scuderi, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
It would seem very unlikely that Scuderi will be claimed, between poor performance and a significant cap hit. If the ‘Hawks move to bury him in the AHL after he clears on Wednesday, they would have a $950,000 savings (annual) in cap space, though he’d still cost $1.3 million against the cap.
The savings isn’t huge, but would give Chicago a little more flexibility to make roster moves as they approach the February 29 trade deadline.
It will also give Chicago the biggest buried cap hit in the NHL, largely because they have Bryan Bickell sitting in the AHL. They have also buried David Rundblad’s salary.
The 37-year-old defender has played 17 games with Chicago since joining the team via trade on December 17. He has no points and a -12.6% CF%Rel in that time and has found his way into just a single game since January 27.
Chicago moving him to the AHL would not have an effect on the $1.125 million in retained salary Pittsburgh currently holds from trading him to Chicago for Trevor Daley.
UPDATE:
Scuderi has cleared waivers. He will be assigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
Joel Quenneville said Rob Scuderi will report to Rockford. #Blackhawks
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 17, 2016