Blues Waive Mathieu Joseph

The St. Louis Blues have officially designated winger Mathieu Joseph as a non-roster player, indicating his placement on waivers. This move follows unsuccessful attempts to find a trade partner for the 29-year-old forward, as reported by David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period. Joseph’s departure opens up a roster spot for winger Dylan Holloway, who is returning from injured reserve in time for the upcoming game against the Seattle Kraken.

Mathieu Joseph’s Career Overview

Mathieu Joseph is currently in the final season of a lucrative four-year contract worth $11.8 million, which he signed with the Ottawa Senators after becoming a restricted free agent in 2022. This contract was initially seen as a strategic gamble, given his impressive performance upon joining the Senators, where he recorded 12 points in just 11 games following a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Throughout his tenure with the Blues, however, Joseph’s performance has significantly declined. Standing at 6’1”, the once high-energy winger is averaging only 0.15 points per game in his time with St. Louis, struggling to make an impact in the lower lines of the team.

Statistical Performance

• First year with the Blues: 3 goals in the entire season.
• Second year with the Blues: 6 goals and 15 points across 99 games.
• Current season stats: 2 goals and 11 points in 39 games, frequent healthy scratches.

Joseph’s struggles are further compounded by his low shooting percentage, which has consistently been below league standards. His shooting percentage since 2022 is only 6.9%, failing to exceed 10% in any season during this period.

Impact of Dylan Holloway’s Return

With Joseph’s exit, Dylan Holloway’s return is crucial for the Blues. Holloway is making his second return from injured reserve this season, having previously faced an ankle injury. His limited playtime this season has hindered his performance, amassing only 8 goals and 17 points in 34 games.

The Blues are optimistic that Holloway can regain full health and contribute effectively going forward. His performance in this contract year is critical for both his future earnings and for the team as they strive for improved placement in the league.

Future Considerations for Mathieu Joseph

As Joseph enters the waiver wire, it is unlikely he will be picked up given his $2.95 million cap hit. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and potential buyers may be hesitant to invest in a player who has struggled to maintain offensive production. However, if Joseph clears waivers, teams seeking speed and physicality could consider him for their fourth line, especially if they can accommodate his salary cap implications.

In conclusion, the St. Louis Blues’ decision to waive Mathieu Joseph marks a significant shift in their roster as they look to maximize performance with the return of Dylan Holloway. Both players are under scrutiny as the team navigates the remainder of the season.