Islanders Claim Pock Off Waivers, Michel Ouellet on Waivers

The New York Islanders announced on Monday that they have claimed defenseman Thomas Pock off waivers from the New York Rangers. Last season with the Rangers, Pock played in one game, scoring no points. In four NHL seasons, all with the Rangers, Pock has played in 59 games, scored seven goals and added seven assists for 14 points and 20 penalty minutes. Seeking more defensive depth, the Islanders have done so with the addition of Pock, who also has the skills to add some offense to the Islanders' blueline.

According to rds.ca, the Tampa Bay Lightning have placed right wing Michel Ouellet on waivers. The Lightning, who currently have an overabundance of forwards, have been rumored shopping some forwards for defensive help, with Ouellet, Jussi Jokinen, and Jason Ward the subject of such trade rumors. With Ouellet on waivers, it is possible that speculation over Jokinen trade rumors could end, coupled with the fact that he has had a strong training camp. Last season, Ouellet scored 17 goals and added 19 assists for 36 points 64 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ouellet has decent offensive talent and goal-scoring skills and could be a good pickup for a team seeking a top-six forward or offensive depth. However, with Ouellet being on waivers, that likely means there is not much of a trade market for him right now, which likely means the Lightning may have to part with a more skilled forward to add some decent defensive depth.