The Washington Capitals waived forward Joe Snively on Saturday to make room for Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom, who return to the active roster tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Snively went unclaimed by today’s 2PM deadline and will now report to AHL Hershey.
Snively clears. No new waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 8, 2023
Snively recorded 15 goals and 23 assists in 35 games with the Hershey Bears last season. He was named co-MVP of the team, even though he was recalled to Washington mid-season.
Snively, a native of Herndon, Virginia, played in six games and recorded one assist during the first half of the 2022-23 season. He made his NHL debut during the 2021-22 season and recorded four goals and three assists in just 12 games played before sustaining a season-ending wrist injury.
Snively, 27, was never drafted but signed a two-year deal with the Capsitals in 2019 for $925,000 per year. The Capitals re-signed Snively to a one-year, two-way contract extension on June 3, 2021 and re-signed him to a two-year deal on March 16, 2022. He will be a restricted free agent in 2024-25.
The Bears are back in action tonight when they host the Syracuse Crunch at Giant Center. Puck drop is set for 5:00PM.
By Jon Sorensen
Oh thank god.
Hershey would make a top 25 NHL team right now.
Amazing, all teams passed on a guy that many of the fams that post think should be playing for the Caps. Worst teams in the league passed on this stud….
Not surprised he cleared given his one-way contract through next year. I do think he can play in the NHL but he needs to be middle 6. maybe someone would like another middle 6 forward for 5.7M. 🙂
His age, 27, is Lao a likely deterrent. But I’m still a little surprised. Thought he was better than Leason at this point in season.
Bears play the Crunch today. Crunch have some players who, although good in the AHL, have not been able to crack the Bolts roster and were returned to Syracuse instead of just sitting on an NHL bench like Snively.
Bears PP should have ample opportunities to score. Like their Tampa colleagues, the Crunch are heavy sinners. Unlike the Lightning, their PK is not as good.
Alnefelt (#2) has been better than Lagace (#1) in net. Not sure who’s playing tonight.
Crunch have won 3 of last 4 in Chocolatetown but they won’t win tonight if the Bears come to play.
Looking forward to game. Bears power play has been, well, bad. Currently 28th in the league. If they ever get that clicking lookout.
PS: You know what’s interesting, Fyre. The fact Fucale got the start last night against Checkers (11th in AHL) and I’m assuming Shepard gets Start today against Crunch (23rd in AHL). 🤔
God bless Joe Snipely!
Oh, thank goodness!
Caps fan here writing from DC. IMHO the Caps mishandled Snively, signing him to a nice contract extension and then hardly ever playing him. His speed and tenacious play (and his ability to NOT turn the puck over) are qualities the Caps need on their 3rd and 4th lines. They wasted his talents by rarely letting him on the ice. I hope he gets his edge back with the Bears and either gets recalled or picked up by another NHL club.