The Colorado Avalanche have placed veteran defenseman Brad Stuart on waivers with the intention of buying out the final year of his contract.
General manager Joe Sakic told The Denver Post on Monday that the team will buy out Stuart's deal.
Stuart, a 16-year NHL veteran, is set to make $3.6 million next season in the final year of his two-year, $7.2 million contract. A nagging back injury limited Stuart to just six games last season.
Stuart will become an unrestricted free agent if he goes unclaimed Wednesday.
Vancouver Canucks forward Chris Higgins' contract will be bought out after he cleared waivers Tuesday