The Flames got unfortunate news as the waiver results from Sunday started rolling in Monday afternoon. Cole Schwindt is no longer with the Calgary Flames, as he was claimed off waivers by the Vegas Golden Knights.
At 23 years old, Schwindt is a two-way right-shot center who had a solid 2023-24 season with the Calgary Wranglers and continued to impress during training camp. He has taken on tougher minutes in the AHL and was viewed as a potential bottom-six option for the Flames. Schwindt recorded 36 points in 66 AHL games last season but went pointless in four games with the Flames.
This may be seen as an unfortunate loss for Calgary. He will join a deeper Golden Knights club that also claimed Raphael Lavoie from the Edmonton Oilers.
The good news, and there is some, is that Jakob Pelletier and Devin Cooley both cleared waivers.
The latter two will join the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, providing them with an opportunity to play big minutes and possibly join the Flames later in the season.
Despite some fans expressing concern over Pelletier’s placement on waivers, he was not claimed after an uneventful camp and preseason. The AHL will be the best environment for him to rediscover his game.
The Golden Knights Were Busy On Monday
The Golden Knights made moves following the loss of Zach Aston-Reece to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Lavoie, a second-round pick in 2019 was injured during preseason and was in tough to make a deep Oilers roster. He has played only seven NHL games.
Schwindt, a third-round pick in the same draft, has similarly played seven NHL games.
Both players will aim to solidify their positions within the Knights’ lineup as they look to bolster their roster.
