Tampa Bay Lightning lose 6-foot-6 forward on waivers
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Blues are gambling on pure size by plucking Jack Finley off the waiver wire from the Tampa Bay Lightning today.
Finley, a former Lightning second rounder, brings a frame that makes scouts drool.
He is a mountain at 6'6'' and he knows how to use every bit of it in the dirty areas.
But the production hasn't exactly been elite in Tampa this season.
He's only managed 3 points in 22 games while trying to find his legs in the show.
Yet, he already has 21 penalty minutes, showing he’s ready to hunt for the puck.
Doug Armstrong hopes Finley’s size translates to depth scoring in St. Louis
The cap hit is the best part of this gamble for the Blues.
At just $775,000, Finley is a steal if he can just be a reliable bottom-six center.
He’s already posted a +2 rating in limited minutes, so he isn't a defensive liability.
Elliotte Friedman confirmed the claim and it’s a smart low-risk move for a team needing grit.
Tampa probably hated losing the big guy, but they’re jammed for roster spots.
Now, Finley gets a fresh start in a system that loves heavy, physical forwards.
So, the Blues are banking on his physical tools to outweigh his lack of scoring.
Can he turn this waiver claim into a long-term NHL home?
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