Much like their counterparts in the NFL and NBA, NHL general managers have found the salary cap to be a bit unwieldy when attempting to make trades, especially midseason. Instead, it appears that the waiver wire is emerging as the preferred option, though it’s clear that some GMs will need a bit more practice before they get it right.

The Montreal Canadiens needed to fortify their blue line for last night’s game against the division-leading Ottawa Senators, so they called up Ron Hainsey, who had tallied an impressive 17 points in 22 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs (the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate). Only one problem: Hainsey needed to clear waivers, and when the Columbus Blue Jackets put in a successful claim, the Canadiens lost one of their best prospects and got nothing in return. It’s a good bet that GM Bob Gainey will give more careful consideration to the NHL’s waiver rules next time around.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins have finally decided to hand the goaltending reigns to Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury is expected to earn upwards of $3 million this season based upon achieving some very rudimentary milestones, but the cash-strapped, last-place Pens appear to have had no choice but recall Fleury and waive Jocelyn Thibault (4.38 GAA, .885 SV%) in what looks like a last-ditch effort to save their season.

The Bruins waived Shawn McEachern on Monday, and he successfully passed through waivers without getting claimed. The Islanders might consider making a deal for McEachern if they can convince the Bruins to absorb some of his salary. The Bruins also waived enforcer Colton Orr, who was promptly claimed by the Rangers.

The Chicago Blackhawks have decided to cut ties with talented Russian forward Mikhail Yakubov. Selected with the 10th overall pick of the 2000 draft, Yakubov has been a huge disappointment, not coming close to developing into the offensive star the Blackhawks were expecting. It is quite likely that the underachieving center will clear waivers, which would enable the Hawks to send him down to their AHL affiliate in Norfolk for another year of development.

And finally, the Florida Panthers waived promising forward Kristian Huselius, who had fallen out of favor with both GM Mike Keenan and head coach Jacques Martin. Rangers GM Glen Sather should seriously investigate the possibility of acquiring the talented Swede; his $1.2 million per year contract is not especially onerous, and he might still develop into an impact forward.