The Dallas Stars claimed right-handed defenseman Sami Vatanen off waivers today. The 29-year-old veteran had been playing for the New Jersey Devils this season on a contract that expires this summer and carried a cap hit of $2 million, per Cap Friendly. In 30 games played this season, he’s scored two goals and six points and is a +2.
Vatanen is likely a depth move to shore up the blueline with Andrej Sekera going out of last night’s game in a fairly gruesome-looking injury. Mark Pysyk is currently also out with injury. Additionally, Joel Hanley returned for the first time after missing five games since getting injured April 1st versus the Nashville Predators.