NHL Surprises: Jurmo and Voit on Waivers

In a stunning turn of events, the NHL has placed Flames defense prospect Joni Jurmo and Maple Leafs forward Ty Voit on unconditional waivers as of Tuesday. This unexpected move aims to terminate both players' entry-level contracts, as confirmed by Sportsnet's own Elliotte Friedman.

With one year remaining on their contracts, both players were set to become restricted free agents in 2026. However, they now have a 24-hour window during which any rival NHL team can claim them. If they aren't picked up, their contracts will be voided, resulting in them losing any remaining money and becoming unrestricted free agents.

Joni Jurmo's Bumpy Transition

At just 23, Jurmo has faced significant hurdles since being drafted in the third round by the Canucks in 2020. After being traded to the Flames during the Elias Lindholm deal, his move to North America was less than smooth. Jurmo, who stands tall at 6'4" and weighs 207 pounds, struggled to find his footing in the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers, ending up pointless in 17 outings and unable to secure a stable spot.

His performances in the ECHL with the Rapid City Rush were more promising, racking up 10 points in just 12 games. However, the stark contrast in his performance levels has prompted speculation that Jurmo might look for a more settled role back in Europe if he becomes a free agent.

Ty Voit's Injury Struggles

Voit, 22, has faced his own set of challenges. Drafted by Toronto in the fifth round of 2021, he had an explosive OHL career, culminating in a dazzling 105 points in 67 games during the 2022-23 season. However, injury woes plagued his transition to the professional game, limiting him to just five games in the previous season where he scored eight points for the Newfoundland Growlers.

Returning to the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Voit’s performance took a nosedive, leaving him with an unremarkable 8-29-37 line over 63 games. Despite his setbacks, Voit could still attract interest for an AHL contract, particularly given his Pittsburgh roots and previous drafting by current Penguins GM Kyle Dubas.

What’s Next for Both Players?

As Jurmo and Voit face uncertainty in their professional careers, the next 24 hours could redefine their futures. Whether they find new opportunities in the NHL or look overseas, one thing is certain: both players are determined to make their mark in the competitive world of professional hockey.