The Los Angeles Kings winning the Stanley Cup marked the unofficial date for the National Hockey Leagues off-season to begin. The current CBA allows teams to use compliance buyouts on players in a two-year duration. Heres a quick reminder of how the NHLs compliance buyout policy works:

If a NHL team wants to buy a player out, they must put him on unconditional waivers for 24 hours. The team in the NHL with the least amount of points has the first crack to claim the player; this team will pay the full the cap hit to play out the rest of his contract. If a player has a no-movement clause, they can reject the waiver claim.

Teams can buy players out starting on Monday June 16 till June 30. Teams will be required to pay 1/3 of the players salary if theyre under 26. Players over 26 get 2/3rds of the remaining salary theyre owed.

Regular buyouts and compliance are the similar with the only difference being compliance buyouts dont count against the salary cap.

Per Transition Rule 53, a compliance buyout can only be executed on a contract entered into on or before Sept. 15, 2012. .

Here are some major buyouts from last off season:

Player Vincent Lecavalier Rick DiPietro Ilya Bryzgalov Mikhail Grabovski Danny Briere

Team Tampa Bay NYIslanders Philadelphia Toronto Philadelphia

Length 14 16 14 8 4

Total Amount $32,666,667 $24,000,000 $23,000,000 $14,333,333 $3,333,333

Yearly Payout $1,761,905 $1,500,00 $1,642,857 $1,791,667 $833,333

Heres a list of potential compliance buyouts for the 2014 off-season:

Team: Buffalo Sabres.

Player: Ville Leino, Age 30.

Current Contract: 3 years left at $4.250,000 per year.

2013-14 Stats: 58GP, 0G, 15A, -16.

Buyout Penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $4,000,000 $4,500,000 $1,222,222 $2,777,778 $1,722,222

2015-16 $3,500,000 $4,500,000 $1,222,222 $2,277,778 $2,222,222

2016-17 $3,500,000 $4,500,000 $1,222,222 $2,277,778 $2,222,222

2017-18 $0 $0 $1,222,222 -$1,222,222 $1,222,222

2018-19 $0 $0 $1,222,222 -$1,222,222 $1,222,222

2019-20 $0 $0 $1,222,222 -$1,222,222 $1,222,222

The lowdown: Leino has only played 66 games in the previous two seasons thanks to injuries. The Finnish forward was signed to a six-year, $ 27 million dollar contract in 2011 after Terry Pegula bought the Buffalo Sabres. Pegula wanted to show the fans he was committed to winning in Buffalo and handed out a combined $67 million to Christian Ehrhoff and Ville Leino. Leino has never scored more than 19 goals and 53 points, which occurred back in 2010-11 with the Philadelphia Flyers the season before Leino signed his multi-year contract. Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray hinted at the strong possibility of using a compliance buyout on Leino in an interview with WGR radio in Buffalo. NBCs Pro Hockey Talk reporter Joe Yerdon summed up Murrays radio interview:

Murray said theres a strong possibility that theyll use the compliance buyout on Ville Leino. Murray says they must still cross the ts and dot the is and have one more conversation with the owner about it.

The Verdict: 90% chance Buffalo buys him out. Maybe he heads back to Philadelphia or Detroit where he had earlier success in his career at $1.5-2 million a season.

Team: Carolina Hurricanes

Player: Alexander Semin, Age: 30.

Current Contract: 4 years left at $7,000,000 per year.

2013-14 Points: 65G, 22G, 20 A, +1

Buyout Penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $7,000,000 $7,000,000 $2,333,333 $4,666,667 $2,333,333

2015-16 $7,000,000 $7,000,000 $2,333,333 $4,666,667 $2,333,333

2016-17 $7,000,000 $7,000,000 $2,333,333 $4,666,667 $2,333,333

2017-18 $7,000,000 $7,000,000 $2,333,333 $4,666,667 $2,333,333

2018-19 $0 $0 $2,333,333 -$2,333,333 $2,333,333

2019-20 $0 $0 $2,333,333 -$2,333,333 $2,333,333

2020-21 $0 $0 $2,333,333 -$2,333,333 $2,333,333

2021-22 $0 $0 $2,333,333 -$2,333,333 $2,333,333

The Lowdown: Ex-Gm Jim Rutherford rewarded with Semin with a contract extension worth $35 million over five years after Semin scored at a point per game rate with 13 goals and 31 assists in the in the lockout shortened season. Jim had initially signed Semin to a one-year, $7 million as an UFA after the Washington Capitals chose not to resign him following the 2012 season. In 2013-14, the Hurricanes missed the playoffs for the fifth straight year and fired Rutherford. Ron Francis has now been hired as new GM and he may want to incorporate his own brand of Hurricanes hockey. The Hurricanes team to improve on their team defence and Semin cant really be trusted in key defensive situations. The Russian sniper is more known for his deadly accurate wrist shot and offensive instincts.

The verdict: 25% chance Carolina buys him out. Since Semins contract was signed after September 15, 2012, he is not eligible for a compliance buyout. That means his contract would count against the cap. Semin still was somewhat productive last season, producing at a rate of a $5-5.5 million. He has showed chemistry with the Staal brothers and Jeff Skinner. Semin isn't the problem of the Hurricanes, Francis needs to make them tougher and add more defensive structure to their game. Semin could easily score 70-80 points next year if Carolina team can bounce back.

Team: Columbus Blue Jackets.

Player: R.J. Umberger, Age: 32

Contract Remaining: 3 years left at $4,600,000 per season.

2013-14 Stats: 74G, 18 G, 16A, -3.

Buyout Penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $4,500,000 $4,600,000 $1,500,000 $3,000,000 $1,600,000

2015-16 $4,500,000 $4,600,000 $1,500,000 $3,000,000 $1,600,000

2016-17 $4,500,000 $4,600,000 $1,500,000 $3,000,000 $1,600,000

2017-18 $0 $0 $1,500,000 -$1,500,000 $1,500,000

2018-19 $0 $0 $1,500,000 -$1,500,000 $1,500,000

2019-20 $0 $0 $1,500,000 -$1,500,000 $1,500,000

The Lowdown: The Columbus Blue Jackets have finally drafted players that could potentially play for a Stanley Cup in a few years. Ryan Johansen, Boone Jenner and Ryan Murray give hockey fans in Ohio hope for a bright future of winning. It would be safe to say RJ Umbergers days in Columbus are numbered because of the term and dollar value are unlikely to match Umbergers offensive output by the time he reaches the end of the deal. Umberger only played in the final four games of the six game playoff series versus Pittsburgh, registering one assist while averaging just over 12:30 TOI. This series proved that the Blue Jackets dont really need R.J. in the lineup, as it appeared he was taking the spot in the lineup of a younger player and made the Blue Jackets worse when he played. Umberger looked slow and out of place against a skilled Penguins team, resulting in the former Philadelphia Flyer and Vancouver Canuck draft pick finishing with -2 rating in the first round series. Columbus may even keep him around, as he does add some veteran leadership to a young team and the Blue jackets have.

The Verdict: 30% chance Columbus buys out R.J. Umberger. Blue Jackets sophomore GM Jarmo Kekäläinen may be more inclined to trade Umberger rather than buy him out, as he does still have some value but may have to retain some salary, because Umbergers production levels are starting to drop off significantly. Umberger asked for a trade in May and Kekäläinen may be forced to trade him rather than buy him out.

Team: Detroit Red Wings

Players: Jordin Tootoo or Stephen Weiss; Both players 32 years old.

Contract remaining:

-Tootoo: 1 year at $1,900,000 per season.

-Weiss: 4 years at $4,600,000 per season.

2013-14 Stats:

-Tootoo: 11GP, 1A, -3, 5 PIM (NHL). 51GP 6G, 12, -1, 104 PIM

-Weiss: 26 GP, 2G, 2A, -4.

Buyout penalty for Tootoo:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $2,000,000 $1,900,000 $666,667 $1,333,333 $566,667

2015-16 $0 $0 $666,667 -$666,667 $666,667

Buyout penalty for Weiss:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $4,000,000 $4,900,000 $1,583,333 $2,416,667 $2,483,333

2015-16 $5,500,000 $4,900,000 $1,583,333 $3,916,667 $983,333

2016-17 $5,500,000 $4,900,000 $1,583,333 $3,916,667 $983,333

2017-18 $4,000,000 $4,900,000 $1,583,333 $2,416,667 $2,483,333

2018-19 $0 $0 $1,583,333 -$1,583,333 $1,583,333

2019-20 $0 $0 $1,583,333 -$1,583,333 $1,583,333

2020-21 $0 $0 $1,583,333 -$1,583,333 $1,583,333

2021-22 $0 $0 $1,583,333 -$1,583,333 $1,583,333

The Lowdown: Ken Holland and his management staff established the National Hockey League's blueprint on how to stockpile draft picks build your team through the draft and you shall exceed. All the recent Stanley Cup winners have assembled talent through the draft accordingly. In the previous generation of the NHL the non salary cap era of clutching and grabbing the Detroit Red Wings were able to throw large quantities of cash at high-priced free agents thanks in part to the on ice success and the deep pockets of Red Wings Mike Illitch the Little Cesars Pizza Owner. The Red Wings have built up their depth tremendously through the draft and havent taken too many risks in free agency with the exception of three players Jordin Tootoo , Stephen Weiss, and last years buy out Carlo Colaiacovo. Ken Holland took a gamble on Tootoo, whos battled hard both on and off the ice. The former World Junior Canadian star has endured several suspensions and time away from the NHL for alcohol abuse. When Tootoo is on his game, hes a fourth line winger that can add instantly add a spark of momentum with a big hit or tough fight. Jordin hasnt been the same player since he left the Nashville Predators in July 2012 after he posted a career high of 6 goals, and 24 assists in 77 games.

Weiss, on the other hand has is well known for his inconsistent stretches of hockey. Weiss has also never played in a full 82 games average. In his twelve-year career, Weiss is only averaging 57 games a year. In his last two seasons combined with the Panthers and Red Wings, Weiss has only appeared in 43 games, scoring 3G, 5A, -17 and 37 PIMS. So far, the Red Wings have lost on Weiss' investment to the team. The former Plymouth Whaler contract could haunt the Red Wings for years if he doesn't step up his game and the Ken Holland chooses not to buy him out. Hollsnd may have to convince ownership that buying out Stephen Weiss is necessary if Detroit wants to be able to resign players that can help keep them a playoff contender.

The Verdict:

-50% chance Detroit buys Tootoo out.

-50% chance Detroit buys Weiss out. If Detroit cant find a willing trade partner to take Tootoos contract, they should strongly consider buying out Weiss.

The Red Wings maybe chose to give Weiss another chance, as he had three-plus twenty goal seasons and has a 0.59 PPG over his career. Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press hinted at Tootoo's future on Twitter: " Ken Holland says it's likely Red Wings will use compliance buyout on Jordin Tootoo if no trade possible"

*Detroit used one of their compliance buyouts on Carlo Colaiacovo last year, so Ken Holland can only buy one player out this off season.

Team: Los Angeles Kings.

Player: Mike Richards, Age 29.

Contract Remaining: 6 years at $5,750,000 per year.

2013-14 Stats:

-Regular Season: 82GP, 11G, 30A, -6, 28 PIMS

-Playoffs: 26 GP, 3G, 10A, -6, 17 PIMS; Won Stanley Cup with Kings.

Buyout Penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $7,000,000 $5,750,000 $1,611,111 $5,388,889 $361,111

2015-16 $6,000,000 $5,750,000 $1,611,111 $4,388,889 $1,361,111

2016-17 $5,500,000 $5,750,000 $1,611,111 $3,888,889 $1,861,111

2017-18 $4,500,000 $5,750,000 $1,611,111 $2,888,889 $2,861,111

2018-19 $3,000,000 $5,750,000 $1,611,111 $1,388,889 $4,361,111

2019-20 $3,000,000 $5,750,000 $1,611,111 $1,388,889 $4,361,111

2020-21 $0 $0 $1,611,111 -$1,611,111 $1,611,111

2021-22 $0 $0 $1,611,111 -$1,611,111 $1,611,111

2022-23 $0 $0 $1,611,111 -$1,611,111 $1,611,111

2023-24 $0 $0 $1,611,111 -$1,611,111 $1,611,111

2024-25 $0 $0 $1,611,111 -$1,611,111 $1,611,111

2025-26 $0 $0 $1,611,111 -$1,611,111 $1,611,11

The Lowdown: Mike Richards was signed to twelve year, $69 million contract by the Philadelphia Flyers. Two years later, Richards was dealt to the LA Kings for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and 2nd round pick (G Anthony Stolarz). Richards and former Flyer teammate Jeff Carter wounded up in Los Angeles and helps the Kings win a Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. Richards was a Selke finalist in 2009 the NHLs award for the best defensive forward and was considered to be one of the top two-way centres in the NHL. Although somewhat undersized, Richards brought a physical presence to the Flyers and Kings and would crank it up come postseason. Richards now has 26G, 61A for 87 points in 124-career playoffs game split between the Flyers and the Kings. He lost the Stanley Cup in 2010 to the Blackhawks when he was a Flyer, but redeemed himself winning the cup twice in three years. Richards is starting to appear much slower and his physical condition has come under scrutiny this year. Perhaps Richards could be getting a little too comfortable with the laidback lifestyle of Los Angeles.

The Verdict: 50% chance Los Angeles buys out Mike Richards. With two Stanley Cups, an Olympic Gold Medal, and a World Junior Championship Gold and millions of dollars already earned, Richards has already accomplished what only some can dream of. The native of Kenora, Ontario is no longer the player he was when Paul Holmgren signed him to a laughable twelve year deal. The Kings may choose to move on from his deal. Hes still an effective player still producing 0.50 PPG but hes starting to show signs that his body is slowing down because of the hard-nosed style of play Richards has endured over the years. Los Angeles has an abundance of young prospects ready to make the jump to the NHL and will have to scrape up all the cash they can find in order to keep their Stanley Cup core in order. The Kings have the potential to be a dynasty if Dean Lombardi can properly manage his roster.

Team: New Jersey Devils

Player: Anton Volchenkov. Age: 32.

Contract Remaining: 2 years at $4,250,000 per year.

2013-14 Stats: 8A, ,+3, 20 PIMS in 55 games.

Buyout penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $4,250,000 $4,250,000 $1,416,667 $2,833,333 $1,416,667

2015-16 $4,250,000 $4,250,000 $1,416,667 $2,833,333 $1,416,667

2016-17 $0 $0 $1,416,667 -$1,416,667 $1,416,667

2017-18 $0 $0 $1,416,667 -$1,416,667 $1,416,667

The Lowdown: The Former Ottawa Senator was one of the leagues better shutdown defencemen for a number of years. The big Russian earned a nice contract with New Jersey in 2010, signing a 6 year, $26 million dollar contract. Volchenkov was a healthy scratch down the stretch when the Devils were trying to qualify for the playoffs this year

The Verdict: 50% chance New Jersey buys Volchenkov out. The Devils have always had a strong depth of defensive styled players with Lou Lamoriello running the team. The Devils may try to trade Volchenkov and retain some salary if they dont want to buy him out.

Team: New York Rangers

Player: Brad Richards. Age: 34.

Contract Remaining: 6 years at $6,666,667 per year.

2013-14 Stats: 82GP, 20G, 31A,,-8, 18 PIMS

Buyout Penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $6,500,000 $6,666,667 $1,055,556 $5,444,444 $1,222,222

2015-16 $6,500,000 $6,666,667 $1,055,556 $5,444,444 $1,222,222

2016-17 $3,000,000 $6,666,667 $1,055,556 $1,944,444 $4,722,222

2017-18 $1,000,000 $6,666,667 $1,055,556 -$55,556 $6,722,222

2018-19 $1,000,000 $6,666,667 $1,055,556 -$55,556 $6,722,222

2019-20 $1,000,000 $6,666,667 $1,055,556 -$55,556 $6,722,222

2020-21 $0 $0 $1,055,556 -$1,055,556 $1,055,556

2021-22 $0 $0 $1,055,556 -$1,055,556 $1,055,556

2022-23 $0 $0 $1,055,556 -$1,055,556 $1,055,556

2023-24 $0 $0 $1,055,556 -$1,055,556 $1,055,556

2024-25 $0 $0 $1,055,556 -$1,055,556 $1,055,556

The Lowdown: Out of all potential buyouts, Brad Richards is the one guy you could bet your life on that will get bought out. Glen Sather is notoriously known for handing out large contracts to players who are over the hill. Eric Lindros, Bobby Holik, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury all fit the same picture of situation with Brad Richards. Brad won the Stanley Cup with fellow Ranger teammate Martin St. Louis in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning and also won the Conn Smythe Award as the leagues best player during the postseason. That playoff run guaranteed Richards he would be commanding a high dollar value for the remainder of his career. After a brief stint in Dallas, he struck his home run contract in the Big Apple, signing a nine year, $60 million dollar contract. The Rangers need to resign key RFAs like Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello, and may even try to resign UFAs Dominic Moore, Benoit Pouliot and Brian Boyle three players that had an excellent playoffs for the roles they played. The Rangers use the money from Richards contract to keep a solid young group of players together.

The Verdict: 99% chance New York buys Richards out. The contract will pay the Prince Edward Island native till 2026 and the Rangers need to take advantage of the compliance buyout while its still in effect. Although he still does see the ice well, Brads foot speed is noticeably slow. He will probably get a similar deal to old teammate Vincent Lecavalier got last year, with maybe a shorter term. Look for Richards to command in the $4.5-5 million dollar range.

Team: San Jose Sharks

Players: Martin Havlat and Adam Burish. Havlat age 33, Burish age 31.

Contract Remaining:

-Havlat: 1 year at $5,000,000

-Burish: 2 years at $1,850,000 per year.

Players Stats:

-Havlat: 48GP 12G, 10A, +14, 10 PIMS

-Burish: 15GP, 0G, 0A, -4, 6 PIMS

Havlats buyout penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $1,000,000

2015-16 $0 $0 $2,000,000 -$2,000,000 $2,000,000

Burishs buyout penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $1,850,000 $1,850,000 $616,667 $1,233,333 $616,667

2015-16 $1,850,000 $1,850,000 $616,667 $1,233,333 $616,667

2016-17 $0 $0 $616,667 -$616,667 $616,667

The Lowdown: Martin Havlat was acquired by Sharks GM Doug Wilson in a contract swap with the Minnesota Wild for none other than Dany Heatley. Havlat was finding it hard adjusting to the Minnesota Wilds defensive styled team, so Wilson decided to take a chance on the former Ottawa Senator and Chicago Blackhawk. Havlat is far removed from his days where he would pot in 25-30 goals a season. The Czech Republic native also won a Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2010. The skilled left-winger still managed to score 8 goals in the 40 games last year and tallied 12 in 48 this year which is still decent production. Havlat is no where near the player he once was.

Adam Burish also won a Stanley Cup and was one of many Blackhawk payers that had to leave town thanks to Chicagos salary cap troubles and an abundance of younger players that deserved raises because of winning Lord Stanley. The Wisconsin-born Burish played two seasons in Dallas, compiling 33 points in 128 games with the Stars, not bad for a an effective bottom-six forward who was one of the games top agitators a couple years ago. In 61 games with the Sharks, Burish has only tallied an abysmal 1G, 2A, -11, and 31 PIMS. This is not what Doug Wilson envisioned for the scrappy Burish who signed a four year deal worth $7,400,000 total back in the summer of 2012.

The Verdict: -50% chance San Jose buys out Havlat.

-50% chance San Jose buys out Burish. Doug Wilson has already stated Havlat wont be back with the Sharks next year. Now does that mean Wilson will use a compliance buyout on Marty Havlat or will Wilson hope a team claims him off waivers? Wilson could try to trade Havlat as well if he decides he wants to retain some of his $5,000,000 dollar contract, although he may have to retain at least $2,000,000 if he actually wants to get a return on Havlat.

Burish on the other hand may also be shopped first. A change of scenary could benefit Burish, who fell to the bottom of the depth chart in SJ thanks to youngsters like Tommy Wingels and journeyman Mike Brown.

Team: Tampa Bay Lightning.

Player: Ryan Malone. Age 34

Contract Remaining: 1 year at $ 4.5 million.

2013-14 points: 5G, 10A, -7, 67 PIMS.

Buyout penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $2,500,000 $4,500,000 $833,333 $1,666,667 $2,833,333

2015-16 $0 $0 $833,333 -$833,333 $833,333

The lowdown: Unfortunately for Malone, he may have already played his final game as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Malone has enjoyed his time in Florida maybe a little too much since he was caught with cocaine and an impaired driving charge a few months ago. When Malone struggled mightily this year even playing on Tampas top line of Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis, it was evident that his best days are well behind him. The 5-time 20-goal scorer hasn't scored 20 goals in a season 2011-12, when he was good for 48 points in 82 games. The often-injured Malone played the majority of the season on the Lightnings fourth line and he was a healthy scratch on numerous occasions.

The Verdict: 99% chance Tampa Bay buys out Malone. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman told a Tampa Bay sports reporter about the possibility of buying out the Pittsburgh native and former Penguin:

Obviously, injuries hes had some serious injuries over the past three, four years since Ive been with the organization have limited the number of games that he could play, Yzerman said. It does take its toll on a player. Were taking everything into consideration for the offseason in improving our team, and were looking at all different (options), whether it be the draft, free agency, trades, buyouts. Well take it all into consideration.

The only chance Malone remains in Tampa is if the NHL rules that Malone cant be bought out because of his current enrollment in the NHLPA and NHLs Substance Abuse and Behavioral Program. It is believed that NHL teams cant still buy players out if its not hockey related.

Team: Vancouver Canucks.

Players:

-David Booth, age 29.

- Alex Burrows, age 32.

Contracts remaining:

Booth: 1 year at $4,250,000.

Burrows: 3 years at $ 4,500,000 per year.

2013-14 Stats:

-Booth: 66GP, 9G, 10A, +1, 18 PIMS

-Burrows : 49GP, 5G,10A, -9, 71 PIMS

Booths buyout penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $4,750,000 $4,250,000 $1,583,333 $3,166,667 $1,083,333

2015-16 $0 $0 $1,583,333 -$1,583,333 $1,583,333

Burrows buyout penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $3,500,000 $4,500,000 $1,111,111 $2,388,889 $2,111,111

2015-16 $3,500,000 $4,500,000 $1,111,111 $2,388,889 $2,111,111

2016-17 $3,000,000 $4,500,000 $1,111,111 $1,888,889 $2,611,111

2017-18 $0 $0 $1,111,111 -$1,111,111 $1,111,111

2018-19 $0 $0 $1,111,111 -$1,111,111 $1,111,111

2019-20 $0 $0 $1,111,111 -$1,111,111 $1,111,111

The Lowdown: David Booth has been speculated to be a buyout candidate for over a year now. The Canucks bought out Keith Ballard last year weren't able to buy Booth out because the Michigan native was injured and injured players cant be bought out. Booth had a tough year playing under John Tortorella and once again was plagued by injuries. Towards the end of the season, Booth started to show chemistry with Canucks 23 year old Zack Kassian and newly acquired centre Shawn Matthias a Red Wings draft pick who was sent to Florida for Todd Bertuzzi, then sent to Vancouver for Roberto Luongo. Luongo was traded to Vancouver for Bertuzzi back in 2006. Trevor Linden and Jim Benning must decide if Booth showed enough at the end of the year when David declared he was finally back in game shape after battling injuries for the better part of two years. Booth takes the puck hard to the net and is known as a north/south power forward who works extremely hard on the ice.He's struggled with finishing his chances but generates good scoring chances. If healthy under a new coach, Booth could potentially be a force, scoring 20 goals by not being afraid of crashing the net. Booth did score 16 goals in 56 games back in 2011-12 with Vancouver the production level that was satisfactory to his contract value.

Alex Burrows for the first time in his career missed significant time due to multiple injuries that forced him to score only nine goals in 49 games. Burrows is now 33 and seems to be loosing a step while trying to stay healthy. Some would argue that Burrows only scored his four 20+ seasons (including 35 goals in 2009-10) because of the Sedin twins. The Canucks may try to convert younger forwards such as Zack Kassian or Nik Jensen to play right wing with the Sedins. The Canucks may not want to pay Burrows $13.5 million over the next three years in a third line checking role where Burrows will most likely struggle to score 20 goals without playing with Daniel and Henrik.

The Verdict:

-75% chance Vancouver buys Booth out.

-25% chance Vancouver buys Burrows out. Booths only has one year left on his contract and that makes it ideal for Canucks management to buy him out because they will only have to pay him till the end of 2015-16. On the contrast, why not let Booth play the final year out and see if he can finally contribute and bring the secondary scoring like the Canucks hoped he could when they sent Marco Sturm and Mikael Samuelsson to Florida for the hunter.

Burrows may very well have a bounce back season and get back to his 20 goals over a full season without any injuries and regain his form with the Sedins. The Sedins best days seem to behind them, although many would argue that now fired coach John Tortorella misused the Dank and Hank last year resulting in them having too much ice time and severe lack of production due to fatigue. Tortorella even suggested that Burrows should be bought out after Burrows didn't score a goal until his 36th game of the season. The Canucks need to rebuild and buying out Burrows would be a certain indication that Jim Benning and Trevor Linden are serious when they say this team needs change. Burrows is a fan favourite in Vancouver and a Burrows buyout would send shock waves through the Vancity. But ultimately its a business decision that would make sense from a financial standpoint if the Canucks buy Burrows out.

Team: Winnipeg Jets.

Player: Ondrej Pavelec, Age: 26.

Contract remaining: 3 years at $3.9 million per year.

2013-14 Stats: 22W, 26L, 7OTL, 3.01GAA, .901Sv%.

Buyout Penalty:

SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT

2014-15 $3,750,000 $3,900,000 $1,416,667 $2,333,333 $1,566,667

2015-16 $4,250,000 $3,900,000 $1,416,667 $2,833,333 $1,066,667

2016-17 $4,750,000 $3,900,000 $1,416,667 $3,333,333 $566,667

2017-18 $0 $0 $1,416,667 -$1,416,667 $1,416,667

2018-19 $0 $0 $1,416,667 -$1,416,667 $1,416,667

2019-20 $0 $0 $1,416,667 -$1,416,667 $1,416,667

The Lowdown: The Winnipeg Jets have had inconsistent goaltending from Ondrej Pavelec ever since the Atlanta Thrashers headed north of the 49th parallel. The Jets are ready to take the next step in qualifying for the playoffs, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff already has one difficult decision this off-season figuring out what to do with Evander Kane. Winnipeg may also come to the conclusion that they need to make get a new goalie. The Jets may find it difficult to find a taker for Pavelec, his 3.9 million dollar contract is a bit too pricey for his current value. Buying him out may be the only option and many Jets fans have expressed extreme desire for Pavelec to be gone.

The Verdict: 50% chance Winnpeg buys Pavelec out. Pavelec is only 26 and could have a bounce back season if the Jets can upgrade their team defense and continue to build around youngsters Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba and Mark Scheifele.

The following teams have used one compliance buyout and have 1 left:

-Buffalo, Colorado, Dallas, Detroit, Edmonton, Montreal, Minnesota, Montreal, Nashville, New Jersey, NY Islanders, Tampa Bay, Vancouver, and Washington.

The following teams have already used both compliance buyouts and have 0 left:

-Chicago, Philadelphia, and Toronto

The following teams havent used any compliance buyouts and have 2 left:

-Anaheim, Calgary, Carolina, Columbus, Florida, Los Angeles, Ottawa, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Jose. St. Louis, and Winnipeg.

Buyout charts from CapGeek.com.