Avs put Brad Stuart on waivers

A person with direct knowledge of the decision has confirmed to The Associated Press that the Colorado Avalanche have placed veteran defenseman Brad Stuart on waivers with the intention of buying out the final year of his contract.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity on Tuesday because the Avalanche have not announced the move.

Stuart is a 16-year NHL veteran, who is set to make $3.6 million next season in the final year of his two-year, $7.2 million contract. A nagging back injury limited Stuart to appearing in just six games last season.

Stuart will become an unrestricted free agent if he goes unclaimed on Wednesday.

General manager Joe Sakic told the Denver Post on Monday that Stuart won’t be on the team next season.

Vancouver Canucks forward Chris Higgins’ contract will be bought out after he cleared waivers on Tuesday