Many times, when NHL organizations make a roster move, it’s very linear. It makes sense when looking at things objectively. Yet sometimes, they raise an eyebrow and can be a bit curious.
Take the case of Kyle Burroughs.
Rewinding quickly to early last month, LA’s projected opening night roster never really suggested that the 30-year-old defenseman would likely make the final cut. So, some might be thinking, what’s the big deal here?
It’s not that it’s something huge at all. Today’s move is at least curious, though. Here’s why…
When GM Ken Holland and coach Jim Hiller were putting the finishing touches on their list of which 23 players would make the final roster, Burroughs was hurt. Had he been healthy, LA’s brain trust would have needed to made a key decision regarding what would amount to their three healthy scratches. Would they want to keep two forwards and one defenseman… or one forward and two defensemen?
Once they decided that both Sammy Helenius and Jeff Malott were making the roster, it only left room for either Burroughs or Jacob Moverare.
That made things simple at the time, as the former was injured. The decision at that moment was easy. No actual decision was needed; Moverare stayed by default.
Here is where things get interesting.
On the surface, putting Burroughs on waivers today doesn’t seem necessary.
The Kings don’t have 23 healthy players on their roster.
Less than 48 hours ago, Hiller said Foegele isn’t close. Thus, they could have put him on IR (even retroactively), and that would have opened up a spot on the 23-man roster for Burroughs.
At that point, they even could have sent him to AHL Ontario for a conditioning assignment.
Sure, if Foegele makes a miraculous recovery and is available in a few days, Burroughs could have been placed on waivers at that time to make room on the roster.
At the very least, this suggests Hiller is comfortable with his three healthy scratches being two forwards and a defenseman (Moverare). He no longer feels the need to carry two extra defensemen, as the team did much of last season. OK, fine.
Even so, this is still curious because they had a simple way to make it work that would avoid exposing Burroughs to waivers. The Kings are only carrying 22 healthy players on their roster at the moment, plus an injured Foegele (who hasn’t been placed on IR).
Again, it’s not a big deal. It’s just interesting.
Keep in mind, Burroughs is one of the few NHL ready players LA has that brings a certain element of toughness to the lineup when needed. Perhaps that isn’t as necessary with guys like Malott and Corey Perry around.
From a depth chart perspective, it could also open up a spot for prospect Angus Booth later this season. He was knocking on the door of an NHL call-up late last season, and we can easily see him getting some NHL games at some point during the 2025-26 campaign.
As for what’s next, now the Kings wait. Burroughs can be claimed by any other NHL team (which is likely a low risk proposition right now, yet still a possibility) before 11am tomorrow. If he clears waivers, look for him to be assigned to the Reign and join the club as early as Tuesday. Keep in mind, that blueline is already crowded as well — something covered here.
Follow @mayorsmanor
Continue reading...