Andrew Hammond clears waivers as Senators continue roster tweaks
Goalie had fallen on depth chart; Ottawa also waives Matt Puempel, recalls Curtis Lazar
Ottawa Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond cleared waivers on Sunday and is now eligible to be sent to the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.
Andrew Hammond cleared waivers and Matt Puempel has been placed on waivers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash">#Sens</a>
—@SunGarriochNicknamed the "The Hamburglar," the 29-year-old took the NHL by storm late in the 2014-2015 season posting a 20-1-2 record in just 24 games. He also recorded a 1.79 goals-against average and .941 save percentage during that span, helping the Senators improbably make the playoffs.
His late-season heroics prompted Senators fans to throw hamburgers on the ice after games. His play even got the attention of a local Ottawa McDonald's owner, who arranged for the Ottawa netminder to receive free McDonald's food for life.
Hammond signed a three-year deal worth $4.05 million US in May 2015 but could not replicate the same success the following season posting a 7-11-4 record with a 2.65 GAA and a .914 save percentage in 2015-2016.
He entered the current season as the Senators' backup goaltender but has struggled to stay healthy. With starter Craig Anderson missing time to be with his wife Nicholle, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, the Senators acquired former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Mike Condon from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 2.
Condon has performed well for Ottawa going 2-1 in his three starts with a 1.76 GAA and .943 save percentage, pushing Hammond into a third-string role on the depth chart.
Last week, Hammond turned down a conditioning stint in the AHL, opting to continue to practise with the Senators.
The native of Surrey, B.C. has started just two games this season, posting a 0-1 record with a 4.50 GAA and a .793 save percentage.
Senators tweak roster
The Senators also announced on Sunday that they have put forward Matt Puempel on waivers. A former first-round pick (24th overall) in 2011, the 23-year-old hasn't recorded a point in 13 games with Ottawa this year.
On Saturday, Ottawa recalled forward Curtis Lazar from the AHL ahead of its game against the Florida Panthers that night. Lazar, also a former first-round pick (17th overall) in 2013, was sent down at the beginning of training camp. He has three goals in 13 games this year in the AHL.
Roster update: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash">#Sens</a> recall forward Curtis Lazar from <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorsAHL">@SenatorsAHL</a> / Les <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash">#Sens</a> rappellent l’attaquant Curtis Lazar de Binghamton (LAH)
—@SenatorsThe 21-year-old played 11:12 against the Panthers on Saturday, recording three shots.
In 144 NHL games, Lazar has 12 goals and 23 assists.