Report: Sabres place forward Cody Hodgson on waivers

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Once heralded as a key part of the Buffalo Sabres future, Cody Hodgson's career in Western New York will soon be over.

A person familiar with the decision has told the Associated Press that the Sabres have placed Hodgson on unconditional waivers with the intention of buying out his contract.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move has not been announced.

Hodgson signed a six-year, $25.5 million contract with the team in 2013 in one of the last significant deals under former general manager Darcy Regier.

The 25-year-old forward was the 10th overall pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2008 NHL draft, and was traded to Buffalo for right wing Zack Kassian at the trade deadline in 2012.

Hodgson had 20 goals and 44 points in 2013-14, but managed just six goals and 13 points over 78 games last season.

He has four years and $19 million remaining on his contract. which carries a $4.25 million salary cap hit.

Sabres general manager Tim Murray said the move was being considered as recently as two weeks ago. It follows a near-complete teardown of the roster.

On top of selecting Boston University center Jack Eichel with the No. 2 overall pick in Friday's draft, Murray has acquired left wing Evander Kane, center Ryan O'Reilly, goalie Robin Lehner, defenseman Zach Bogosian, and forwards Jamie McGinn and David Legwand while trading longtime Sabres like Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford and Ryan Miller.

Murray also fired coach Ted Nolan after last season, bringing on Stanley Cup winning coach Dan Bylsma to usher in a new era at First Niagara Center.

The person says the Nashville Predators have placed Viktor Stalberg on unconditional waivers.

Mike Richards of the Kings, Montreal's P.A. Parenteau and Anaheim's Mark Fistric also cleared 24-hour waivers and are expected to be bought out by their respective teams.