The Vegas Golden Knights have placed defenseman Jason Garrison on waivers.
The move was made in order to activate forward Erik Haula from injured reserve; Haula has missed the last four games after sustaining an injury against Detroit Oct. 13.
This announcement also comes just a few days after the team granted permission to Vadim Shipachyov’s representatives to seek a trade after Shipachyov was reassigned to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves for the second time this season.
Garrison, 32, has been a healthy scratch over the last four games. This move still comes as a surprise, however, especially given the fact that Garrison was named as one of the team’s alternate captains. He also was one of four players to appear on stage at the expansion draft party in June, which led many to believe he would be a valued leader on the team.
Plus, Garrison’s $4.6 million cap hit is the highest among defensemen on the roster. As a result, he is likely to clear waivers.
Garrison managed one assist and five shots while averaging 18:53 of ice time in four games with the Knights this season. His 43.8 percent Corsi For ranks 18th on the team. He has 48 goals and 159 points in 534 career regular-season games with the Panthers, Canucks, Lightning and Golden Knights.
Vegas also announced that defenseman Griffin Reinhart has been reassigned to the AHL for a conditioning stint. Reinhart has not seen any game action this season but has been one of nine defensemen on the NHL roster.
The move also indicates that forward Alex Tuch, recalled with Shipachyov when Haula and Jonathan Marchessault were placed on injured reserve, will remain with the team, at least for the time being.