What happened: Pittsburgh designated Gustafsson non-roster Saturday and put the forward on waivers. He arrived in Pittsburgh in a June trade and is back on the transaction wire before the 2026-27 season opens.

Why it matters: Waivers are a key checkpoint in preseason roster trimming because a player must clear before being moved off the NHL roster. The decision narrows Pittsburgh's forward group and shapes where Gustafsson opens the year.

What to watch: The next move will come after the waiver process runs its course. If Gustafsson clears, Pittsburgh can decide his roster status for opening week.