The Utah Hockey Club placed defenseman Juuso Valimaki on waivers Sunday.
Valimaki, a 26-year-old from Finland, has recorded five points and 14 penalty minutes while averaging 16:33 of ice time in 43 games this season. He has one more year left on his contract after this season, with a salary cap hit of $2 million.
He lost his spot in Utah’s lineup with John Marino and Sean Durzi returning from long-term injuries. If Valimaki clears waivers, he could be assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners in the American Hockey League.
Valimaki’s waiver status comes after he was named to Finland’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, although he did not play in any of the tournament’s three games, being a healthy scratch for all of them.