[Ozy_Flame]

He's a boat anchor from a contractual standpoint, after teams see their depth going into the season their perspective on him as an asset may change, especially if he's free. Nothing bizarre about that. He's also not a useless player - on the ice he isn't worth nothing. He plays his role and does it fine as a depth guy.

Want to get rid of him tomorrow? Either buy him out or trade him - but no one is going to do a trade for Stone without sending a boat anchor back, so it's kind of a moot point. Best case is we retain salary (maybe up to 50%) to move him out for basically a 6th or 7th round pick. And that's cheaper than a buyout in real dollars, so why buy him out unless you have a silver bullet trade lined up for him? Brad probably doesn't, even though we all think he's a wizard.

Also, Stone is a UFA after this upcoming season. As a waiver wire pickup, he might be digestible to a team looking at better blueline depth and a bit of cap wiggle room. Pretty sure GM's aren't stupid either - they'll know they can get a guy like Stone for free without giving up any picks come waivers during camp time. There's no sneaking done in this situation at all, especially given it's an annual tradition to put players through waivers. What sneaking is there to speak about? Odd take.

I believe he'll be in camp in September, and be put on waivers shortly afterwards. I personally don't think there will be any movement on him during a buyout window.