The eve of unrestricted free agency is a fun time in the NHL. Rumors are flying, outrageous numbers are everywhere, but for some, the eve is not so pleasant. June 30 is the last day for teams to buy out players in the first buyout window. As such, seven players received calls this morning informing them that they would be on the open market tomorrow at noon.
Mike Cammalleri, Jussi Jokinen Among Those Bought Out on Friday
Boston
The Bruins have bought out forward Jimmy Hayes. Hayes, the last remaining piece of the Tyler Seguin trade, had one year left at $2.3 million. Hayes had an abysmal 2016-17 season, registering just five points in 59 games with the Bruins. At 6-foot-5, Hayes could be a good depth piece in a bottom six role.
Calgary
Lance Bouma and recently acquired Ryan Murphy are on their way out of Calgary.
Bouma, 27, had one year remaining on his contract at $2.2 million. Signed after a 34 point breakout season, Bouma has recorded just 14 points over the last two years. A gritty, bottom six player, Bouma will likely receive a major pay cut in unrestricted free agency.
Ryan Murphy was also let go by the Flames. Acquired yesterday in the Eddie Lack trade, Murphy had one year remaining at just $787,500. As he is only 24, the buyout costs one-third of his salary, saving the Flames nearly $700,000 next year.
Florida
The Panthers have bought out veteran winger Jussi Jokinen. The 34-year-old had one year remaining at $4 million. Jokinen is just one year removed from a spectacular 60 point season but had a down year in Sunrise. In 2016-17, he only recorded 28 points, not enough for a team looking to shed cap. Jokinen will be added to the mix of veteran, skilled wingers on the open market tomorrow.
New Jersey
Mike Cammalleri and Devante Smith-Pelly have been bought out by the Devils.
Mike Cammalleri had two years remaining at $5 million. The 35-year-old’s production had started to decline, with his numbers dropping each year he was in Newark. In 2016-17, the veteran winger scored 31 points in 61 games. Mike Cammalleri is still a good middle six option for a team looking for a veteran presence.
Smith-Pelly, 25, had one year left at $1.3 million. After a promising start to his career as a Devil, Smith-Pelly only registered nine points in 53 games in 2016-17. Another depth option on Saturday, Smith-Pelly is starting to run out of time to prove he is a consistent NHL player.
Winnipeg
The Jets have bought out defenceman Mark Stuart. He had one year left at $2.625 million. Winnipeg is crowded defensively, and the departure of Stuart clears some room. Stuart played in 43 games in 2016-17, scoring just four points. The bruising 33-year-old is a solid depth piece that can play on the bottom pairing.
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