The San Jose Sharks used one of their two compliance buyouts on forward Martin Havlat on Friday.
The 33-year-old carries a $5 million cap hit through 2014-2015, but has not played up to expectations, according to Sharks GM Doug Wilson. With the salary cap set at $69 million this year, the move was not too shocking for Sharks fans as more and more teams find themselves hurrying to get rid of unwanted cap space.
#SJSharks will use their compliance buyout on Marty Havlat. That is the only player they will buy out
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzCSN) June 27, 2014
After being put on the trading block (to no avail), Havlat will join a buyout class that includes forwards Brad Richards and Mike Ribeiro.
Havlat battled injuries all season long and suited up in only 48 games for the Sharks, registering 12 goals and 10 assists. As a result, he was constantly buried on the lower lines of San Jose’s roster.
The Czech native has spent 13 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Minnesota Wild before joining the Sharks in 2011.
He can provide offense in a limited role despite his age as his career numbers consist of 579 points in 748 games. His best days are far behind him but still can find success in the league if given the right opportunity, an aspect that will be attractive to NHL teams looking for a veteran presence to instill within their lineup.
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