Center Max Willman of the New Jersey Devils and center Dominic Toninato of the Winnipeg Jets have both been placed on waivers.
Willman, who has played 13 games for the Devils this season, managed to score two points during his tenure. Additionally, he showcased his skills in the AHL with the Utica Comets, where he played 20 games and accumulated 16 points. Signed during the offseason by the Devils for the league minimum on a one-year contract, Willman was brought in to bolster the team’s forward depth. Given the Devils’ strong forward lineup, his presence in the NHL this season came as a surprise. However, due to Michael McLeod’s prolonged absence following his connection to the 2018 World Juniors investigation and the subpar performance of several Devils forwards, Willman seized the opportunity for NHL playtime. Although it’s improbable that another team will claim him off waivers, there’s a chance a squad seeking bottom-six support might consider him.
Toninato finds himself in a comparable situation to Willman, serving primarily as a depth forward at the NHL level and frequently shuttling between the two leagues. He appeared in 15 games for the Jets this season, tallying five points, while also contributing in nine games for the Manitoba Moose, where he notched six points. With four years as part of the Jets organization and one more year remaining on his contract after this season, the 29-year-old center has accrued 184 NHL games, registering 13 goals and 35 points to date. Like Willman, it’s unlikely that Toninato will be claimed on waivers, so he is expected to join the Moose once the waiver process is completed.
