As the Belleville Senators preseason roster begins to take shape, at least one familiar name won’t be on it, as forward Rudolfs Balcers has been claimed off of waivers by the San Jose Sharks.
The 23-year-old forward was sixth in team scoring for the B-Sens last season, with 36 points in 33 games played, and holds the franchise records for the longest point streak, longest assist streak and most power play goals in a season.
He had a total 67 points in 76 games for Belleville over two seasons.
While Balcers was claimed, JC Beaudin, Filip Chlapik and Christian Jaros were all among the players who cleared waivers, along with Michael Haley, Logan Shaw and Matthew Peca, who can either be assigned to Belleville or Ottawa’s taxi squad.
The American Hockey League is slated to open its season on February 5, playing against the Toronto Marlies, Manitoba Moose and Laval Rocket, but a schedule has yet to be released.
