[BACKCHECK!!!]

The Flames gave up a 2nd round pick to avoid paying Kotalik $3m (who could have been buried with no cap hit). So they might or might buy someone out, but we do know that they have (relatively recently) been willing to move assets to avoid paying a guy not to play.

So I don't see them paying one of their top-3 scorers a cheque for $7m (or whatever the buyout penalty is) to go play for a competitor, when there's no worry about hitting the cap, and plenty of ice time to go around.

Trade him, waive him, send him to the ECHL to pump up the point totals of guys like Howse so you can trade them for picks, have him dress up like a clown at kids' birthday parties, whatever.

There's no way that buying him out is the best use of the asset, or that money.