(LA) The Los Angeles Kings surprisingly placed goaltender Cal Petersen on waivers on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Petersen was considered Jonathan Quick’s successor, but he was placed on waivers a day after allowing four goals on 16 shots in a 9-8 overtime loss at the hands of the Kraken of Seattle.
Petersen relieved Quick, who allowed five goals on 14 shots.
Only one goalie has a lower save percentage than Petersen (.868) this season and that is Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (.864).
Petersen is 5-3-2 in 10 games and has a 3.75 goals-against average. He is in his third full season with the Kings and fifth overall.
The Kings signed Petersen to a three-year deal worth US$15 million in September 2021 and he looked set to become the starting keeper, as Quick turns 37.e birthday in January and that he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Petersen still has two years left on his contract after the 2022-23 season and his annual salary on the payroll is five million.