Former Leafs forward's NHL career at risk following waivers announcement

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor was placed on waivers earlier today by the Florida Panthers, potentially putting his career at risk due to the lack of demand for specialist fourth-line grinders.

Gregor was drafted in the 4th round in 2016 by the San Jose Sharks before making his debut in 2019-20. He's been a solid fourth liner for the entirety of his career, but his lack of production and limited playing time this year prompted the Panthers to place him on waivers.

The most likely scenario over the next 24 hours is that Gregor clears waivers before he's reassigned to the minors. There could be a team out there willing to give him an opportunity on their fourth line but it seems unlikely considering there are other players who can fill in his role.

Gregor topped out a career-best 23 points in 63 games during the 2021-22 season with the Sharks and then followed that up with a career high of 10 goals the following season in 57 games. He wasn't tendered a qualifying offer that ensuing summer, which made him an unrestricted free agent.

The interest was limited, which forced him into signing a PTO with the Maple Leafs in September of 2023, where he ultimately played his way to a one-year contract.

The Beaumont, Alberta native, played in 63 games for the Leafs, where he scored 6 goals and 12 points, and went scoreless in 2 postseason games.

He then signed a one year deal with Ottawa in the summer, was traded back to San Jose ahead of the trade deadline, and then signed with the 2-time defending Stanley Cup champions this past summer, looking to establish himself in the bottom-6 of an offensive group dealing with injuries.

He's scored just 1 goal and 3 points in 24 games this year, while averaging 8:05 TOI. Additionally, since scoring a career-best 10 goals in 2022-23, the 27-year-old has registered just 11 goals and 22 points in 139 games with an ATOI of 10:43.

Perhaps he can make it on a rebuilding team in need of veteran help or as a depth piece for a contender, but if that's not the case, it will be interesting to see what his next move will be and where he continues his playing career.

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