NHL Waiver Wire Shocker: Two Players on the Block, But Will Anyone Bite?
The NHL waiver wire heated up on Thursday with two surprising additions: Alexandre Texier of the St. Louis Blues and Mason Geertsen of the Buffalo Sabres. But here's where it gets controversial: both players have struggled to find their footing this season, leaving fans and analysts divided on their potential value to other teams. Will they find a new home, or is this the end of their NHL journey—at least for now?
Texier, a 2017 second-round pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets, has had a rocky start in St. Louis, managing just one point in eight games. And this is the part most people miss: despite his slow season, Texier has a proven track record, including a 20-point performance in 36 games during the 2021-22 season. Last year, he recorded 11 points in 31 games for the Blues, hinting at untapped potential. If he clears waivers, Elliotte Friedman of SportsNet suggests his contract could be terminated, opening the door for him to explore opportunities overseas or elsewhere in the NHL. Could this be a hidden gem for a team willing to take a chance?
On the other hand, Mason Geertsen, a 2013 draft pick by Colorado, has yet to record his first NHL point despite 30 games of experience. After stints with the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, Geertsen spent the past two seasons with the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, tallying 11 points in 89 games. Here’s the burning question: does Geertsen still have what it takes to crack an NHL lineup, or is his future in the minors or overseas?
The clock is ticking for both players, as claims can be placed until 2:00 PM EST on Friday. If unclaimed, they’ll likely report to their respective AHL affiliates. But the real debate is this: Are Texier and Geertsen victims of circumstance, or have they simply not lived up to expectations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do these players deserve another shot, or is it time to move on?
