The Avalanche, losers of four of its last five games, placed fourth-line center John Mitchell on waivers Friday morning.
The move is designed to get out of Mitchell’s contract. If he isn’t claimed by 10 a.m. Saturday, Mitchell will remain with the Avs or reassigned to the minors.
Mitchell, 31, is pointless in four games, after missing the first five with a hip injury. He is in the final year of his contract, at $1.8 million, and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Colorado, which lost 4-0 at Chicago on Thursday night, is 4-5 after beginning 3-1.