Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The verdict came down at exactly 2:00 p.m., and in the end, Kent Hughes didn’t even get the chance to make a final decision in the Jack Finley file.
Insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that it was the St. Louis Blues who claimed the forward off waivers.
The Canadiens had to come to terms with it rather quickly in this case.
Let’s be honest, it was the standings priority system that dictated the outcome of this administrative transaction.
Since the waiver order is the reverse of the overall standings, the Blues had priority over the Canadiens.
By submitting their claim, they automatically pulled the rug out from under the Montreal organization, making any attempt by Kent Hughes pointless.
Let’s tell it like it is: Doug Armstrong and the Blues are desperately looking to shake things up, and adding a young center with an imposing frame fits perfectly with their rugged team identity.
An arrival delayed by the Olympic break for Jack Finley with his new team: he leaves the Tampa Bay Lightning
There is, however, an interesting administrative detail pointed out by Friedman regarding this acquisition.
Due to the transaction and roster freeze for the Olympic Games, Finley will not join his new team immediately.
Under the current rules, he does not have to report to the Blues until February 17.
“Finley, as per Olympic freeze rules, does not have to report to Blues until Feb 17”
– Elliotte Friedman
That means he officially changes addresses, but will have to wait before pulling on his new blue and yellow jersey.
For the Canadiens, the file is closed.
The team will continue with its current roster, and Jack Finley will try to relaunch his career in the Western Conference rather than in Montreal.
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St. Louis Blues claim towering forward Jack Finley off waivers
Did the St. Louis Blues make a smart move by claiming Jack Finley?