Waivers vs DFA

[jergenpuckel]

Hi,
I know what both Waivers and DFA means in terms of the process, but what's the pros of putting a player immediately on waivers instead of DFA? Wouldn't it be much better to always DFA a player, since it means releasing a spot on the secondary roster right away?

[Antonio Margheriti]

You're right I'm stumped too. I mean maybe you want the guy to continue playing until his replacement is ready to go. Beyond a use for that I don't know I supposed I'd never waive without DFA'ing a player too.

[Shadow King]

The only pro to putting them on waivers first is when you really do not want the player and are unable to trade them. Waiving gives the chance for another team to claim them (and the contract) off you. Because otherwise, if no one claims them and you release the player, you are still stuck having to pay their contract even though they are not on a team anymore.

Otherwise, I have found no reason to do it first, if DFA is still an option.