Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Washington Capitals forward Richard Panik cleared on waivers on Thursday after the team placed him on waivers on Wednesday and will join the team’s taxi squad. The 30-year-old has served as a healthy scratch in three of the past five games.

Panik, who was not on the ice for the Capitals’ morning skate prior to their game against the Boston Bruins (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington), has recorded just three goals, nine points, and a -9 rating in 36 games this season while primarily playing in the Capitals’ bottom-six forward group.

#Caps loan forward Richard Panik to Taxi Squad and recall forward Daniel Carr from Taxi Squad to Caps roster.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 8, 2021

With Panik clearing, the Capitals save $1.675 million under the NHL salary cap and have that much in cap flexibility ahead of the trade deadline at 3 PM ET on Monday.

Following this season, Panik has two years left on a contract that pays him $2.75 million annually.

Forward Daniel Carr was called up to the active roster but will not play against the Bruins on Thursday due to salary cap restrictions.

By Harrison Brown