Wed Feb 04 02:50:00 UTC 2026: # NHL Teams Cut Ties Before Olympic Break: Three Players Waived

February 3, 2026 – In a flurry of roster adjustments ahead of the Olympic break, three players – Ryan McAllister (Florida Panthers), Filip Larsson (Pittsburgh Penguins), and Samuel Johannesson (St. Louis Blues) – have been placed on unconditional waivers for contract termination purposes. The moves, first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, signal a strategic reset for these teams as they prepare for the remainder of the season.

Each player faces different circumstances. McAllister, a former college standout who never made an NHL appearance, struggled to find consistency in the AHL. Larsson, a Swedish goalie who returned to North America after a successful stint in the SHL, couldn’t break through Pittsburgh’s goaltending depth chart. Johannesson, an offensive defenseman, failed to demonstrate the defensive capabilities needed to earn an NHL roster spot with the Blues.

Key Points

  • Ryan McAllister (Panthers): Undrafted free agent signing in 2023 after a strong college season. Waived after struggling to replicate AHL success in 2025-26, even being demoted to the ECHL.
  • Filip Larsson (Penguins): Drafted by Detroit in 2016, returned to the NHL after a successful 2023-24 SHL season. Waived due to limited playing time and subpar performance in the AHL (.876 SV%, 3.51 GAA in 9 games).
  • Samuel Johannesson (Blues): Drafted by Columbus in 2020, signed with St. Louis in 2024. Waived after failing to develop defensively, impacting his AHL performance (11 points in 26 games, -20 rating).
  • All three players are expected to become unrestricted free agents upon clearing waivers.
  • McAllister may seek opportunities in the AHL or Europe.
  • Larsson is likely to return to Sweden.
  • Johannesson may also return to Sweden.

Critical Analysis

While each player’s situation is different, the context provides some insight. The Penguins’ focus on “Three Key Free-Agent Additions” suggests they prioritized other players, leaving Larsson in a difficult position to earn playing time. Furthermore, the Penguins’ loss against the Senators, in which “best players have a night to forget,” might contribute to the impetus to make immediate personnel changes.

Key Takeaways

  • NHL teams are actively evaluating and adjusting their rosters even during the season, especially nearing major breaks like the Olympics.
  • A strong performance in European leagues, such as the SHL, doesn’t guarantee NHL success.
  • Development pathways for undrafted free agents can be challenging, and consistent performance in the AHL is crucial for earning NHL opportunities.
  • Goaltending depth charts are highly competitive, and limited playing time can significantly impact a goalie’s performance and future prospects.
  • Defensive deficiencies can be a major impediment for offensive-minded defensemen seeking to advance to the NHL.

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