Blue Jackets place former first-round pick on waivers, activate star defenseman

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed winger Liam Foudy on waivers.

The 23-year-old was originally drafted 18th overall by the club in 2018. At the time, he was a standout with the London Knights, who’d have consecutive 68-point seasons to close out his junior career. Foudy was also a big part of Canada’s gold medal at the 2020 world juniors and played a depth role during the team’s 2021 World Championship effort.

Foudy made his NHL debut during the 2019-20 season before going full-time pro in 2020-21. He struggled with just four points in 24 NHL games, but looked solid in the AHL. Foudy finally became a full-time NHLer last year, scoring seven goals and 14 points in 62 games. The Blue Jackets were hoping for more in 2023-24, but after a slow preseason, and just 7:56 in ice time last Saturday, he found himself on the sidelines for two of the team’s first three games.

In 90 NHL games, Foudy has seven goals and 19 points. He also has 35 points in 41 games with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, whom he’ll join if he goes unclaimed.

Known for his incredible speed, Foudy could still be a decent pickup for a team needing some energy in the bottom six. He has one year left on his deal at $762,500.

In other news, defenseman Zach Werenski was activated off injured reserve after just one week. Werenski suffered a quad contusion in the team’s home opener against Philadelphia last Thursday. Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway was given a two-minute minor for kneeing Werenski with just over five minutes to go in the second. Werenski would not return to the contest.

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is also set to return against Calgary on Friday after dealing with an illness against the New York Rangers last week, while prospect Jordan Dumais has been loaned back to the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads.