Calgary Flames forward, former Vancouver Canucks goalie both hit waivers

The New York Rangers have signed goaltender Spencer Martin and immediately placed him on waivers for the purpose of assigning him to AHL Hartford, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The contract is for a total of two years.

Martin was not the only player to hit waivers today. The Calgary Flames have placed forward Justin Kirkland on waivers. He'll be assigned to AHL Calgary if he clears tomorrow.

Martin, age 30, is a longtime AHL depth piece who'd seen NHL action as a backup and No. 3 option in four straight seasons leading into this year.

While the 6'3″ netminder has a strong minor-league track record, his NHL results have not been so good.

He made his NHL debut with the Avalanche back in 2016-17 and didn't get another look until getting called up to the Canucks in 2022, where he posted a red-hot .950 SV% in six appearances and positioned himself as Thatcher Demko's backup.

Unfortunately, he couldn't sustain his hot streak from the previous year, posting a nearly unplayable .871 SV% in 29 appearances until landing on waivers midway through that season.

Turning our attention back to Kirkland, it's possible that Calgary is clearing a roster spot to activate winger Martin Pospisil from injured reserve. Pospisil has yet to play this season due to an undisclosed injury he sustained in training camp.

He's been skating on his own for a few weeks and could be an option for tomorrow's game against the Sharks if the team activates him.