Hurricanes Place Brendan Lemieux on Unconditional Waivers: A Bold Move Shakes Up Roster

Hurricanes Place Brendan Lemieux on Unconditional Waivers: A Bold Move Shakes Up Roster

The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move, placing forward Brendan Lemieux on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. This decision, announced on Friday, marks a dramatic shift for the 28-year-old player, who had been with the team since signing as a free agent last year.

Lemieux, who has not played in an NHL game this season, requested the release to pursue new opportunities, a decision that was mutually agreed upon by the player and the Hurricanes. General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed well wishes for Lemieux’s future career endeavors, saying, “Brendan asked to be released from his contract so he could pursue a new opportunity. We wish him nothing but the best in the next stage of his career.”

The forward, known for his physical play and penalty minutes, had spent the 2023-2024 season so far with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves. In 12 games with the Wolves, Lemieux has posted two goals and 30 penalty minutes. His role with the Hurricanes had been limited during the 2022-2023 campaign, where he recorded five points in 32 games. Despite his limited ice time, the Hurricanes extended his contract for one more year, worth $775,000, in March.

Lemieux’s NHL career began in 2016 when he was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round of the NHL Draft. Throughout his career, he has played for several teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and, most recently, the Carolina Hurricanes. Across 307 career NHL games, he has accumulated 36 goals and 74 points. Known for his physical presence, Lemieux has also earned a reputation as a gritty player, racking up significant penalty minutes throughout his career.

While Lemieux’s time with the Hurricanes has been relatively brief, his departure represents a shift for the team’s forward group. Carolina, a club with high aspirations for the season, will likely look to add more consistency and production to their roster. With Lemieux now seeking a new path, it remains to be seen where his next opportunity will come from.

As for the Hurricanes, their decision to part ways with Lemieux reflects a willingness to prioritize the team’s future success, giving them the flexibility to move forward and make roster changes as needed. Whether Lemieux finds another NHL home or looks toward a different league, it will be interesting to see what the next chapter holds for the player.

For the Hurricanes, this move marks another step in the team’s ongoing adjustments as they look to stay competitive in the race for playoff contention.