Canadiens buy out last year of Laraque's contract

Georges Laraque and the Montreal Canadiens have officially parted ways.

The Canadiens say Tuesday that they bought out the final season of Laraque's three-year, $4.5 million contract.

The team originally announced on Jan. 21 that they would buy out the 33-year-old enforcer. He was banished from the team that day because Laraque had become a distraction. He remained on the roster for the rest of the season, but was not seen at games or practices.

Laraque, who was in and out of the lineup in recent seasons because of back problems, had one goal and two assists in 28 games this season. In two seasons with the Canadiens, he had one goal and four assists in 61 games.