Mete, Vatanen among notable names on waivers ahead of deadline

A pair of notable defenders are available for free ahead of Monday's trade deadline.

Montreal Canadiens blue-liner Victor Mete and New Jersey Devils veteran Sami Vatanen were placed on waivers Sunday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Mete reportedly requested a trade earlier this season, citing a lack of playing opportunity, but Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin denied the rumors. The 22-year-old is a restricted free agent at season's end and has posted three points in 14 games this campaign.

Vatanen, 29, carries a $2-million cap hit. He's not as productive as he used to be - managing just five points in 29 contests in 2021 - but could be a valuable pickup for a team looking to bolster its defensive depth for the playoffs.