Washington Capitals forward Richard Panik cleared waivers.

Panik was placed on waivers on Wednesday to open up some cap space ahead for the Capitals ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline on Monday at 3 PM.

Martin Frk (LA), Nick Merkley (NJ) and Richard Panik (WSH) clear waivers.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 8, 2021

He was placed on the taxi squad shortly after he cleared.

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

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 8, 2021

“I think that move gives us the flexibility,” Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette said. “Nothing changes for him. He’s a part of our team.”

Daniel Carr was called up from the taxi squad and will replace Daniel Sprong in the lineup.

“Daniel has worked really hard,” Laviolette said. “He’s a guy that has a good skill level. We liked it when he was in the lineup earlier in the year. He’s just been unavailable to us up until this point.”

Panik has 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 36 games this season. He’s been a healthy scratch in three of the Capitals’ last five games coming into tonight’s game against Boston.

Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong/RMNB