BUFFALO, N.Y. – Two people familiar with the Buffalo Sabres' decision have told The Associated the team has placed under-performing forward Ville Leino on waivers for the purpose of buying out the remaining three years of his contract.
The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Sabres didn't announce the move made Tuesday. Leino was set to make $13.5 million over the final three years of a six-year, $27 million contract.
Should Leino go unclaimed on 24-hour waivers, the Sabres would buy out Leino's contract by paying him two-thirds of what he's owed.
The move does not come as a surprise. In April, general manager Tim Murray called buying out Leino as "a very good possibility."
Leino had 10 goals and 46 points in 137 games with Buffalo.
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