Penguins Suspend Egor Zamula for Missing AHL Reporting Duty
The Pittsburgh Penguins have suspended defenseman Egor Zamula due to his failure to report to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. This suspension was confirmed by a team spokesperson from the Penguins.
Background on Egor Zamula’s Trade
Zamula was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, which involved minor league forward Philip Tomasino. Prior to the trade, there were reports suggesting that Zamula was looking to terminate his contract with the Flyers. He aimed to become a free agent, potentially signing with a team that would give him a chance in the NHL.
Contract Details and Waiver Status
Zamula carries a salary cap hit of $1.7 million. He went unclaimed when the Flyers placed him on waivers in December. Despite moving to a new organization, he found himself without a spot on the NHL roster.
Pittsburgh’s Strategic Decisions
The Penguins were likely aware of the challenges associated with Zamula before completing the trade. They could now consider retaining some of his salary if another team expresses interest in acquiring him for a low cap hit. This potential trade would likely require minimal compensation.
Impact on Team Finances
For the Penguins, this trade provided an opportunity to clear salary space. With Tomasino playing outside of the NHL, shipping him out was financially prudent. If the Penguins had retained Tomasino, they would be liable for his $1.75 million salary for the AHL season. No other teams had claimed him on waivers, making the trade essential for managing payroll costs.
Looking Ahead
If the situation with Zamula does not improve, other teams may wait to see if his contract is terminated. This would allow them to sign him at no cost, assuming there is interest in a player who has recently struggled to secure a contract. The outcome of this suspension and trade remains uncertain, but the Penguins have taken steps to manage their roster and finances effectively.
