Ruzicka, initially a candidate for a top-nine role with the Flames, has seen a decline in performance this season. After a strong start, he's gone without a point in the last ten games and was recently a healthy scratch. With three goals and nine points in 39 games, his offensive production has dropped by half compared to the previous season. His potential availability on waivers may attract interest despite these struggles.
DeSimone, on a nearly six-week call-up, is hitting waivers as his role diminishes, falling behind on the depth chart. With Oliver Kylington's return, his playing time is uncertain. Both Ruzicka and DeSimone have expiring deals with a $762.5K cap hit, but while Ruzicka is set to be an RFA with arbitration rights, DeSimone is headed for unrestricted free agency this summer.
