Igor Korolev cleared waivers Wednesday after the Blackhawks made the veteran center available to any team that wanted him.
Korolev was placed on waivers Monday. In its Wednesday edition, the New York Daily News reported the New York Islanders might be interested in acquiring Korolev, who has been playing on the fourth line for the Hawks this season.
The Islanders did not put in a claim for Korolev within the 48-hour window.
Korolev’s salary–$1.7 million this season with one more year left on his contract–likely scared off some teams. Since he cleared waivers the Hawks could send Korolev to Norfolk, but that appears doubtful.
It’s believed the Hawks would be willing to pay a portion of Korolev’s salary if a team is willing to broker a trade. In 12 games, Korolev has two assists and is a minus-1.
Also, according to NHL sources, the Hawks have given Bob Probert and his agent, Patrick Ducharme, permission to talk to other teams that might be interested in acquiring the winger.
