Ducks winger Alexander Volkov placed on unconditional waivers

For the second time this season, Anaheim Ducks forward Alexander Volkov finds himself on waivers. After clearing regular waivers and being assigned to the San Diego Gulls, he’s now on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a contract termination according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Volkov, 24, signed a one-year, $925K contract with the Ducks this season after a trade brought him to Anaheim from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who drafted him in the second round in 2017. The young forward has shown flashes of brilliance in the AHL and NHL over the years, but hasn’t been able to stay consistent enough to earn a full-time role at the highest level. In 18 games last season for the Ducks he registered eight points, but will now exit the organization after failing to earn a job out of camp.

After a contract termination, Volkov will become an unrestricted free agent and come completely off the books for the Ducks. That means he could sign with another NHL organization, though often these transactions are done because a player has a job lined up overseas. 

If Volkov heads to the KHL, for instance, it likely won’t be the last time his name is mentioned in regard to the NHL. He’ll be a free agent option down the road because of his relative youth and potential, even if he is unlikely to ever become an impact player at this point.