On December 15, 2024, the Colorado Avalanche signed Tye Felhaber to a two-year contract1. Just three days later, on December 18, the team placed Felhaber on waivers23. This quick turnaround is not uncommon in the NHL, particularly for depth players. The 26-year-old forward's signing and subsequent waiver placement suggest that the Avalanche intend to have Felhaber primarily play in the AHL while retaining the flexibility to call him up to the NHL if needed14.

NHL waiver rules play a crucial role in roster management and player movement between the NHL and minor leagues. Players on waivers are offered to all other teams for a 24-hour period before they can be assigned to the minors1. If unclaimed, the player can be sent down, potentially removing their salary from the NHL team's cap2. Certain players, based on their contract type, games played, or professional experience, must clear waivers before being assigned to the AHL3. This process allows teams to maintain roster flexibility while giving other clubs an opportunity to acquire talent.

Salaries of players in the NHL count against a team's salary cap only when they are on the NHL roster. By waiving a player like Felhaber, the Avalanche can potentially keep his salary off their NHL cap if he clears waivers and is assigned to the AHL1. This strategy allows teams to manage their cap space more effectively, especially for depth players who may not be immediate contributors at the NHL level. The salary cap restrictions are lifted during the postseason, giving teams more flexibility in activating players with higher salaries for playoff runs2. This cap management approach is crucial for teams looking to maximize their roster potential while staying within the league's financial constraints.

Signing players to two-year contracts and immediately placing them on waivers is a strategic move employed by NHL teams to maintain roster flexibility and depth. This approach allows teams to:

• Secure a player's rights for an extended period

• Easily move the player between the NHL and AHL as needed

• Potentially keep the player's salary off the NHL cap if they clear waivers12

For the Avalanche, this strategy with Felhaber provides organizational depth while minimizing cap impact. If unclaimed, Felhaber can be assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, where he could contribute alongside other recent additions like forward Tye Felhaber from the Milwaukee Admirals3.