Dylan Gambrell‘s brief return to the NHL will be short-lived, as James Mirtle of The Athletic reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets have placed him on waivers. He was no match in any of Columbus’ first three games at the start of the 2024-25 regular season.

The Blue Jackets have twelve healthy forwards left on the roster for tomorrow’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Defender Erik Gudbranson suffered an upper-body injury in last night’s loss to the Florida Panthers, which could indicate the team will make a corresponding trade today or tomorrow.

Gambrell spent all of last season with the Toronto Marlies, making him no stranger to the American Hockey League. He scored 14 goals and played 36 games, leading to a one-year, $775,000 contract with Columbus last season.

He no longer has the reputation of being a late second-round pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 2016 NHL Draft. He scored 17 goals and 40 points in 233 NHL games, with no more than 12 in any season score points.

Should he clear waivers tomorrow, he will likely spend much of the season in AHL Cleveland despite Columbus’ need for additional forward depth. The team is off to a mild 1-1-0 start to start the current season and is looking to remain competitive in a tough Northern Division.