The New York Islanders placed veteran goaltender Rick DiPietro on waivers Friday. If he clears waivers, DiPietro and his $4.5 million salary cap hit will be sent to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League and the team is expected to call up goalie Kevin Poulin from the Tigers.
Islanders Player Transaction – #Isles officially place Rick DiPietro on waivers. nyisl.es/hXqDT
— NYIslanders (@NYIslanders) February 22, 2013
Intent is to send DiPietro to Bridgeport. Kevin Poulin to be recalled once DiPietro clears. #Isles
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) February 22, 2013
After signing a 15-year, $67.5 million contract extension with the Islanders in 2006, DiPietro has been snake bitten and injury riddled. Although he was named an NHL All-Star in 2008, the Winthrop, Mass., native has dealt with various injuries — including a groin strain, sports hernia and knee swelling — and hasn’t performed well on the ice.
DiPietro, who has not played a full season as a starter since the 2007-08 campaign, is 0-3 this season with a goals against average of 4.09 and a save percentage of .855.
The 31-year-old appeared in eight games last season, going 3-2-3 with a 3.73 goals-against average and a .875 save percentage.
DiPietro was the first-overall pick in the 2000 NHL Draft and in 315 career NHL games he is 130-136-8-28 with a 2.87 GAA and a .902 save percentage.
The Islanders have gone with Evgeni Nabokov as their starter this season. The team currently sits 12th place in the Western Conference with a record of 7-9-1.
Earlier this month, the Islanders acquired Tim Thomas from the Boston Bruins in order to remain above the cap floor, but it is unlikely that Thomas will ever suit up for the Isles.
