Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mikhail Grabovski was among five NHL players placed on unconditional waivers and could have their contracts bought out, according to a person familiar with the moves.
Also waived on Thursday, a day before the start of the NHL's free-agent signing period, were New Jersey goalie Johan Hedberg, Colorado defenseman Greg Zanon, Nashville defenseman Hal Gill and Edmonton center Eric Belanger.
The person revealed the list of waived players to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the NHL doesn't announce the moves.
The Maple Leafs' decision to waive Grabovski came after they signed him to a five-year, $27.5 million contract in March.
Players who have contracts bought out on compliance buyouts don't count against the salary cap. They do receive two-thirds of their remaining salary.
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