April 29, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) celebrates overtime win with center Danny Briere (48) who scored the game winning goal in game one of the 2012 Eastern Conference semifinals at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Devils, 4-3 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
This summer may be not be remembered by the deep draft, or the shallow free agency pool, but rather the summer of the buyout. During the days leading up to free agency there could be several teams that will be using the buyout option on some overpaid, unproductive NHL players. There could be some aging superstars on the list that could be a hot item once their buyout process is finished.
It is always said that sometimes a player may just need a change in scenario to help rejuvenate their career. If I were a player who was bought out, I would want to work my a** off and show that I could still hack it and prove my skills.
If you are slightly confused about the buyout, and how it exactly works, here is an article from ProHockeyTalk explaining the amnesty buyout a little more.
Apr. 14, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier (4) against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Players that could be on their way to free agency include: Danny Briere (will be bought out), Ilya Bryzgalov (will be bought out), Rick DiPietro, Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards, Ville Leino, and Roberto Luongo. Other than Briere and Bryzgalov, the rest of the players listed are rumored to be potential candidates. Obviously any player can be bought out, or teams can opt not to use their buyouts.
Sources have said that Columbus will not be using their amnesty buyout, maybe this will change next offseason though. I am more interested to see if Columbus goes after any of the players who are being bought out. There are some players on the list above that I would steer clear of, but a few names on that list intrigue me. It is going to be a whirlwind situation and things will begin to move fast. NHL.com has you covered with an up-to-date buyout tracker.
Charging Through The Headlines:
Union and Blue’s Matt Sexton reports on the new deal for Artem Anisimov.
Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues signs a four year extension. BleedinBlue.com has more.
Yahoo Sports! covers the re-signing of two San Jose Sharks, James Sheppard and Andrew Desjardins.
Mar 14, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Artem Anisimov (42) celebrates after scoring in the shootout agianst the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports