Penguins Drop Six to Waivers — Veteran Heinen Among Them
In a bold and somewhat surprising roster shakeup, the Pittsburgh Penguins have placed six players on waivers as they continue trimming their training camp roster. Among those sent to the wire is Danton Heinen, a seasoned forward with a $2.2M cap hit, along with Sebastian Aho, Philip Kemp, Joona Koppanen, Filip Larsson, and Valtteri Puustinen. The decisions raise immediate questions about Pittsburgh’s opening roster and long-term strategy.
The Roster Cut Signal: What’s Behind the Waivers
As NHL teams move closer to submitting their 23-man opening rosters, waivers become one of the final tools to whittle down depth. The Penguins, who had already reassigned five players to their AHL affiliate, now push deeper cuts by exposing these six to waivers — giving other clubs a chance to claim them.
Heinen’s placement is particularly noteworthy. He’s not only a veteran, but also still carries a significant cap hit, making him both a performance risk and a financial commitment. His presence on the waiver wire suggests Pittsburgh is willing to gamble that he either clears and accepts an AHL reassignment — or that he may land elsewhere.
Other names on the list reflect a mix of roles and potential. Aho is a defenseman with experience in both the NHL and AHL. Koppanen and Puustinen were in the depth forward mix, while Larsson, a goaltender, competed among the crease contenders. Kemp adds another defense option with upside in bounceback value.
Collectively, this signals a push for youth, salary flexibility, and roster optimization. Pittsburgh is balancing between trying to field a competitive NHL squad and not eating cap or blocking development slots.
Heinen's Gamble: Veteran Status, But Not Immune
Heinen’s waiver placement is perhaps the biggest upset among the group. With over 500 NHL games under his belt, he’s worked in depth roles, penalty kill minutes, and served as a trustworthy middle-six presence. Last season, he played 28 games for Pittsburgh and contributed 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists).
But having a veteran pedigree doesn't guarantee roster immunity. His contract’s cap weight, positional redundancy, and perhaps underwhelming preseason showing may have pushed the front office’s hand. For a player like Heinen, the waiver outcome could profoundly affect his career’s next chapter: claimed by another team, lurking in waivers limbo, or facing a return to the minors.
The Others: A Closer Look at the Waiver List
Sebastian Aho: Left-shot defenseman with flexibility. Could be a depth claim or sneaky pickup by teams needing D support.
Philip Kemp: A younger defense option, possibly more waiver-safe but still exposed at this stage.
Joona Koppanen: On a two-way deal, he may have limited appeal outside Pittsburgh’s system unless a club sees potential.
Filip Larsson: Goaltender turmoil always draws attention. Larsson had a strong AHL campaign last season (12–9–3, GAA ~2.84, .910 sv%) and is battling for a crease role.
Valtteri Puustinen: A forward with a history of solid AHL production. His upside might attract teams looking for depth scoring.
If any of them are claimed, Pittsburgh loses control of that contract. If they clear waivers, the Penguins retain flexibility to stash or assign them to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The Effects: Depth, Breadth & Identity
This wave of waivers changes the internal chessboard. Removing several depth pieces opens roster spots for prospects like Avery Hayes, Ben Kindel, or Filip Hallander — players who’ve been skating with the NHL group and pushing for final berths.
It also speaks to Pittsburgh’s philosophical direction: in certain cases, performance and positional fit matter more than tenure. It’s a harsh truth in pro hockey — even veterans can find themselves exposed in camp cuts.
From a roster structure standpoint, shedding these contracts (or hoping they go unclaimed) gives Pittsburgh more breathing room under the cap and flexibility for later roster manoeuvres.
What to Watch & What Comes Next
Do any of the six get claimed by another NHL club — especially Larsson or Heinen?
If they clear, whether they accept AHL assignments or explore separation deals.
How quickly Pittsburgh fills the vacated spots with younger players or previously waived individuals.
Whether injury developments prompt recalls or temporary waivers back.
How the final roster shapes up: two goalies, seven defense, 12 forwards (or similar mix) — and who slots in.
Pittsburgh’s decision to place six players on waivers underscores the cutthroat nature of roster construction. It’s not just about who plays — it’s about timing, contract value, upside, and flexibility. Heinen’s presence on that list is a reminder: in today’s NHL, no one is untouchable. The waiver wire will tell the rest of the story this Friday.
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