Luke Kunin

Luke Kunin's attempt to revitalize his career with the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers has hit a wall after just 44 games and four points. The 28-year-old former first-round pick cleared waivers and now finds himself assigned to the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, marking his first minor-league stint since the 2018-19 season.

Edmonton leads the waiver charge with Andrew Mangiapane and Alex Regula both exposed as the Oilers clear cap space for their expected deadline splash. Vancouver sends Guillaume Brisebois down while St. Louis risks former first-rounder Robby Fabbri and Florida puts Luke Kunin on the block amid a flurry of moves. These decisions signal front offices maneuvering hard with the trade deadline looming, and savvy GMs know a claim here could swing a playoff push.

The Panthers place gritty forward Luke Kunin on waivers after a free-agent signing that never clicked, leaving the 28-year-old former first-rounder with just four points in 44 games. Florida's injury crunch demanded depth, but Kunin's bottom-six role couldn't deliver the spark they needed from their reigning champs. With his $775,000 deal expiring this summer and the trade deadline looming, every contender scans the wire for a claim that could swing a playoff push.