The New York Islanders are going their separate ways with goaltender Rick DiPietro, Arthur Staple of Newsday reported on Monday.
Rick DiPietro buyout: Islanders to part ways with goaltender
The saga of Rick DiPietro is over for New Yorkers after the Islanders decided to use one of their compliance buyouts on the goaltender.
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DiPietro will be placed on waivers Tuesday morning as part of the compliance buyout, which will negate the salary cap hit for the next 16 years. He was seven years into a 15-year, $67.5 million contract signed in 2006, one of the longest contracts in the NHL.
The Islanders made DiPietro the first goaltender ever drafted number one overall in the 2000 draft, beginning a tumultuous journey for the goaltender and the team. Although he flashed times of brilliance in front of the net, DiPietro suffered from numerous injuries throughout his career. His playing time decreased in recent years and he started just 47 games over the past five seasons. He played only three games for the Islanders this past season before he was waived in February. DiPietro appeared in 318 games over his 11-year career with the Islanders, finishing with a .902 save percentage and 16 shutouts.
The compliance buyout was a part of the new CBA and helps team transition to the lower salary cap next season. Each team has two compliance buyouts that can be used either this or next season. Buyout players receive a portion of their salary depending on age, but the teams dodge the cap hit against their overall total.
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