Western Conference team claims former first round pick off of waivers
The Calgary Flames have an embarrassment of riches on defense and after years of trying they finally gave up on the development of Juuso Valimaki. The Flames drafted Valimaki in the 1st round, 16th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. When the Flames attempted to acquire Mark Stone from the Ottawa Senators, Valimaki was the single piece they refused to give up.
Yesterday the Flames placed Valimaki on waivers and today it was announced that he'd been claimed by the Arizona Coyotes.
Arizona claims Juuso Valimaki off waivers from Calgary.
This is a great opportunity for Valimaki to get some significant playing time. Valimaki will have an opportunity to be an everyday player for the Coyotes and hopefully he can eventually live up to his draft selection.