Waiver Update: February 6, 2012

WAIVER UPATE- February 6, 2012

Waiver Wire Players Of Interest:

Zach Hamill Position: Center Waived By: Bruins CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $1,316,667 Expires: 2012 (RFA) Details:  -Two-Way ($65,000 AHL) -$500,000 Performance Bonus -Base NHL Salary Is $787,500 Thoughts:  I know he has passed through waivers before, but I still believe he's a valuable player that could become a solid contributor down the line. At twenty-three years old, he has a lot of time to grow to his full potential and if a team is patient with him then it may benefit them in the long run. There is no denying that he has struggled at the NHL level with the Bruins, but I believe that is because they are playing him in a bottom-six role. If a team puts him in their top-six they'd see good results. I think Hamill will get claimed, he just has so much unrealized potential waiting to be reached and someone will almost definitely find that attractive enough to claim him.

Anthony Stewart  Position: Right Wing Waived By: Hurricanes CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $900,000 Expires: 2013 (UFA) Details: One-Way Thoughts: I am very surprised that the Hurricanes waived him. Stewart has proven himself in the past season and a half or so that he can be a very solid bottom-six winger. He plays a very physical game which is made effective by his 6'3, 230 pound frame. He's also capable of putting up a good amount of points for a third-liner. Unfortunately though, this season he hasn't been able to be as productive as he was last year. I think if he moves to the right organization he might be able to get back to where he was, at least point wise. Despite that he hasn't been as good as last year he still has the best plus/minus on the Hurricanes with a plus-4. I would be absolutely shocked if he went unclaimed, and I fully expect him to be wearing a different club's sweater by tomorrow afternoon.

Andrew Murray Position: Forward Waived By: Sharks CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $575,000 Expires: 2012 (UFA) Details: Two-Way ($105,000 AHL) Thoughts: Sharks fans are very surprised to see Murray on waivers. He has been a exceptional fourth liner for San Jose. His terrific defensive play was very helpful to the Sharks' PK. Along with that, Murray brings a lot of physicality which in-turn has made him an impressive forechecker. After looking up Murray's stats I was shocked to see how much NHL experience he has. Maybe its because he's been playing in Columbus, but I'm amazed that I was unaware of his career length. He's played five straight seasons in the NHL for an overall total of 220 games. He would be a very nice addition to a playoff team looking to add a bottom-six forward. His versatility, defensive ability, and experience will be valuable attributes down the stretch.