The Colorado Avalanche have placed veteran defenseman Brad Stuart on waivers with the intention of buying out the final year of his contract.
General manager Joe Sakic told The Denver Post on Monday that the team will buy out Stuart's deal.
Stuart is a 16-year NHL veteran, who is set to make $3.6 million next season in the final year of his two-year, $7.2 million contract. A nagging back injury limited Stuart to appearing in just six games last season.
Stuart will become an unrestricted free agent if he goes unclaimed on Wednesday.