Oilers Buy Out Forward Robert Nilsson

The Edmonton Oilers announced on Wednesday that they have bought out the contract of left wing Robert Nilsson and he is now an unrestricted free agent. He had one year remaining on his original contract that would have paid him $2.5 million in 2010-11. In 60 games last season with the Oilers, he had 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points. This comes as no surprise, as the Oilers had been unhappy with Nilsson's lack of production last season. While he may not have played up to expectations in Edmonton, perhaps a change of scenery could help him improve his game, as he does have some offensive skill. A team looking for offensive depth on their third or fourth line could possibly sign him in the coming weeks.

Moreau, Nilsson, O' Sullivan Among More NHL Players on Waivers

On Tuesday, the following NHL players were placed on waivers with the likely purpose of buying out their contracts. The players will have until noon tomorrow to be claimed by other teams. If they go unclaimed, they will likely have their contracts bought out and become unrestricted free agents.

Donald Brashear, LW - New York Rangers
Todd Fedoruk, LW - Tampa Bay Lightning
Ethan Moreau, LW - Edmonton Oilers
Robert Nilsson, LW - Edmonton Oilers
Patrick O'Sullivan, LW - Edmonton Oilers
Nathan Oystrick, D - Anaheim Ducks
Patrick Rissmiller, LW - New York Rangers
Aaron Voros, LW - New York Rangers

Jonathan Cheechoo, Ales Kotalik, Ville Koistinen, Petteri Nokelainen, and Jim Vandermeer all cleared waivers from yesterday and are now eligible to be bought out by their clubs. It really comes as no surprise that the Oilers have placed Moreau, Nilsson, and O'Sullivan on waivers with the purpose of buying out their contracts, as the Oilers stated their intentions to do so earlier this month. I would be surprised if any of these players were claimed off waivers, as any team interested in them is better off waiting until their contracts are bought out and then signing them to new, more affordable deals.