He hasn’t been the big ticket signing the Bruins had hoped after inking his five-year deal on July 1, 2015, worth $3.8 million per. Now with the youth movement in effect along with a healthier Bruins lineup, Matt Beleskey’s time in Boston could hit a roadblock.

During his appearance in the first intermission of the Bruins-Red Wings Wednesday Night Rivalry tilt on NBCSN, TSN’s Darren Dreger dropped a report that GM Don Sweeney could put Beleskey on waivers “within the next week.”

With Ryan Spooner closer to returning, Sweeney will have to make a corresponding move once the third line center is removed from injured reserve. The timing of the report makes a certain amount of sense given the circumstances.

Other potential moves include placing Frank Vatrano or Paul Postma on waivers or sending one of Danton Heinen, Anders Bjork, Matt Grzelcyk or Jake DeBrusk down to Providence. Given the success of the youth movement, it’s highly doubtful Sweeney would send one of the younger players down I-95, though Grzelcyk might make the one-hour trek once Adam McQuaid is cleared to play.

Though he showed some decent promise despite just 37 points (15 goals and 22 assists) in 80 games during his first year in Boston, Beleskey’s time in Boston has been riddled with injuries and inconsistent play. The former Anaheim Duck hasn’t tallied a point dating back to March and carries a 24-game scoreless skid.

Beleskey has appeared in 14 games this season tallying just 17 shots on goal, 17 penalty minutes and carries a team-worst minus-8 rating (along with Torey Krug). The 29-year-old last suited up on Nov. 26 against the Oilers where he only skated six shifts and tallied 6:09 of ice time.

Given that he has three years left on his current deal, it’s highly unlikely any of the 30 other NHL teams would claim Beleskey off waivers. Assuming that is indeed the case, the Bruins will send him down to Providence. At the very least, his time at the AHL level could give Beleskey a much-needed confidence boost.

Update: 12:11 p.m.

Beleskey has indeed been placed on waivers with the purpose of assigning him to Providence. Rogers Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the development.

Beleskey (BOS) on waivers today

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 14, 2017