Former Washington Capitals forward Matthew Phillips could be headed back to the organization if everything shakes out right.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, who claimed Phillips from the Capitals on February 16, have put the Calgary, Alberta native back on waivers again per Chris Johnston.
Placed on NHL waivers today: Joel Hanley (DAL), Aaron Dell (LA) and Matthew Phillips (PIT).
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 4, 2024
At the time of the Penguins’ claim of Phillips, the team had a rash of injuries, losing forwards Jake Guentzel, Jansen Harkins, and Noel Acciari to upper-body issues.
Phillips posted four shots on goal but did not register a point in his three games with the Penguins, averaging 11:19 of ice time.
NHL rules state the Capitals will get the first crack at bringing Phillips back. And, if no other NHL team puts a claim in, Phillips would go back to the Capitals and be eligible to be sent directly to the AHL’s Hershey Bears.
Per NHL rule 13.22:
When a Club claims a Player on Regular or Unconditional Waivers, and, subsequently, in the same season it requests Waivers on the same Player and the original owning Club is the successful and only Club making a Waiver claim, then the original owning Club shall be entitled to Loan such Player to a club in another league within thirty days without further Waivers being asked; provided that such Player has not participated in ten or more NHL Games (cumulative) and remained on an NHL roster more than thirty days (cumulative) following such successful claim.
The waivers decision by the Penguins comes at a perfect time for the Capitals and the Bears. For a player to be eligible to play in the 2024 AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs, they must be on their respective team’s AHL roster by the March 8 trade deadline.
In his first full season in the NHL, Phillips has posted five points (1g, 4a) in 33 games. The Capitals signed Phillips away from his hometown Calgary Flames over the summer via to a one-year, one-way contract.
