Slightly surprising news out of Arizona, who have bought out the final year of veteran forward Antoine Vermette’s contract.
Advertisement
Assuming he clears waivers, Vermette will become a free agent and will count $1.25 million against Arizona’s cap each of the next two seasons. “This move will provide an opportunity for some of our young, talented players to step up”. The 34-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Coyotes last offseason, and has scored 211 goals and 260 assists in 910 career National Hockey League games.
Antoine Vermette’s second stint with the Arizona Coyotes is history. “We wish him the best in the future”. He played parts of four seasons in the desert before he was shipped to the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2015 deadline for defenseman Klas Dahlbeck and a first round draft pick. Vermette won the Stanley Cup with Chicago, and Arizona used the draft pick on Nick Merkley. He had 17 goals and 21 assists in 76 games last season and will likely draw interest around the National Hockey League at a reduced salary.
Advertisement
In 910 career National Hockey League regular-season games with the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Coyotes, Vermette has accumulated 211 goals and 260 assists for 471 points and 546 penalty minutes.
