The NHL is about to be in full swing with the regular season coming up quickly. Yesterday the first group of NHL players were placed on waivers. Today one of those players was claimed.
First Waiver Claim Of The Season
Multiple reports have confirmed that the Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed goaltender Spencer Martin.
The Columbus Blue Jackets were in need of goaltender stability and they seem to have found it with Spencer Martin. He will join a goalie group including Elvis Merzlikins, Aaron Dell, and Daniil Tarasov. Each of who have struggled at the NHL level to find consistency.
Martin spent the 2022-23 season split between the AHL and NHL. In his AHL appearances, he was great posting a 2.43 goals-against average and a 0.916 save percentage. At the NHL level, he did struggle a bit last season with a 3.99 goals-against average and a 0.871 save percentage.
Martin will look to go in and earn a role with the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Blue Jackets were willing to claim Martin it means they see a path for him to make their NHL roster. It will be interesting to see what preseason opportunities he gets going forward.