The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Joakim Lindstrom, the top international free agent on the market this summer, as insurance in case Peter Mueller wasn't healthy enough for consistent play. Well, that hasn't really worked out as planned.

Mueller has been limited to three games this season and has yet to register a single point. Lindstrom scored two goals in his first appearance of the year, but has failed to score in the 15 games after that. With the emergence of rookie defenseman Stefan Elliott, Colorado has decided to keep eight defensemen on the active roster, and Lindstrom was the odd man out.

After clearing waivers on Thursday, it appears that Lindstrom has chosen to return to his European team rather than play in the AHL. It's a tough break for Colorado's forward depth, but you can't really blame Lindstrom.

I'd rather go to Sweden instead of Cleveland, too.