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Canadiens take notice as Ducks place intriguing 6-Foot-2 forward on waivers
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Two situations moved on the waiver wire Tuesday, and it surprised some people.
With the Anaheim Ducks, forward Nikita Nesterenko was surprisingly placed on waivers. He can play both center and left wing. In his NHL career, he has appeared in 59 games, with 7 goals and 17 points, making him an intriguing name on a list that is often quiet.
"Nikita Nesterenko has been placed on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks. Nesterenko is a good bottom-six forward. Interesting."
- Rono Analyst
- Rono Analyst
Meanwhile, unconditional waivers also made noise with a heavier story in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins had acquired defenseman Egor Zamula from the Philadelphia Flyers on December 31, 2025, in a trade involving Philip Tomasino. Zamula, 25, carried a $1.7 million per season contract and had one assist in 13 games this season before the change of scenery.
NHL Waivers Jan. 6, 2026:
C Nikita Nesterenko: Anaheim Ducks
Cleared: D Egor Zamula: Penguins, contract has officially been terminated and Zamula is a UFA expected to sign elsewhere shortly for less money.
- Frank Seravalli
C Nikita Nesterenko: Anaheim Ducks
Cleared: D Egor Zamula: Penguins, contract has officially been terminated and Zamula is a UFA expected to sign elsewhere shortly for less money.
- Frank Seravalli
Egor Zamula signs new contract after clearing unconditional waivers
According to information reported in recent days, he was placed on unconditional waivers with the goal of terminating his contract. The situation escalated after he failed to report to the AHL affiliate, and the organization then followed the required process for a contract termination.
In his NHL career, Zamula has eight goals and 41 points in 168 games, standing 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 200 pounds.
What matters here is the mechanics and the speed of how this unfolded. PuckPedia indicates that Zamula cleared waivers on January 5, 2026, which opened the door to the administrative next steps in the file.
However, immediately after clearing unconditional waivers, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed Zamula to a one-year contract.
"Egor Zamula will STAY in the Metro Division, joining the Jackets after a dramatic trade-and-waive between the Flyers and Penguins."
- TSN
- TSN
For the Montreal Canadiens, the waiver wire is always something to monitor, if only to understand what is being freed up elsewhere around the league.