In a whirlwind of roster adjustments, the Carolina Hurricanes are shaking things up ahead of the NHL season. As of October 10, Tyson Jost has officially cleared waivers and will be heading to the AHL Chicago Wolves, according to PuckPedia. This decision follows the team’s announcement on the previous day that they have moved winger Jesper Fast from injured reserve to long-term injured reserve (LTIR).

The placement of Jost on waivers comes as no surprise given his decline in performance last season. The 26-year-old center faced a tough year with the Buffalo Sabres in the 2023-24 season, where he managed to record only six points over 43 games. His struggles resulted in limited ice time, averaging a career-low 10:36 minutes per game. The stark contrast between his early career and recent performance has been striking, as he saw himself relegated to AHL play for the first time in several years.

Originally drafted 10th overall in 2016 by the Colorado Avalanche, Jost has had a mixed bag of a career, totaling 456 NHL games over eight seasons with the Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Sabres. He has compiled 57 goals and 83 assists for a total of 140 career points. Despite being a consistent shooter—averaging around 123 shots on goal per 82 games—he holds a modest shooting percentage of 8.3%, which has been a topic of concern for his overall impact on games. Additionally, his faceoff win rate stands at a low 39.9%, indicating areas where improvement is essential for success as a center.

On the other hand, Jesper Fast’s move to LTIR signals that the Hurricanes may be preparing for a lengthy absence for the forward, although the details surrounding his injury remain sparse. This adjustment provides the team with additional salary cap flexibility, allowing them to make potential moves in the wake of injuries.

With Jost now off the Hurricanes’ roster, they are likely looking forward to integrating other players into their lineup. Jackson Blake's recall presents an opportunity for fresh talent to shine in the upcoming home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning. As the Hurricanes navigate these changes, fans are left to wonder how these adjustments will shape the team's performance moving forward.

As Tyson Jost enters uncertain territory with his career, he becomes a free agent next summer, leaving many to speculate about his future in the league. Will he bounce back and reclaim his spot among the NHL elite, or will this mark a turning point in his professional journey? Only time will tell.