Spencer Martin, 29, cleared waivers on Thursday, allowing him to remain with the Carolina Hurricanes rather than being reassigned to the AHL. This comes after the Hurricanes placed him on waivers for roster management ahead of the season. Given Carolina's history of goaltending injuries, Martin's presence is crucial, especially with Frederik Andersen recovering from a significant health issue. During his tenure, Martin demonstrated reliability, boasting a 4-1-1 record in six games with a notable early save percentage. His clearance preserves the Hurricanes' depth in goal amid an uncertain injury history.

By the Numbers
  • Spencer Martin went 4-1-1 with a 0.896 save percentage in six games with Carolina.
  • Frederik Andersen missed four months last season due to a blood-clotting issue.
Yes, But

While Martin’s retention is vital, it's noteworthy that the Hurricanes face strict roster limits and salary cap challenges. His initial placement on waivers hints at potential maneuvering for roster compliance rather than an outright lack of confidence in his abilities.

State of Play
  • The Hurricanes must finalize their opening night roster by October 7.
  • Martin's clearance aids in maintaining goalkeeping depth, protecting them from relying on unproven players like Yaniv Perets and Ruslan Khazheyev.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the Hurricanes will likely monitor Martin's performance closely, especially as they seek to manage injuries and maintain competitive play in net. They might consider further roster adjustments based on Martin's readiness and their cap situation.

Bottom Line

Martin’s clearance marks a significant relief for the Hurricanes, allowing them to maintain valuable goaltending depth. This decision underscores the importance of having reliable options in net as the team prepares for a demanding season.