Wade Redden, Scott Gomez bought out; who wants them?

Both players would’ve just stayed home and collected their paychecks had the NHL and NHLPA not agreed to activate the buyout rule before the offseason, which was the initial plan. The change in course allows for an early fresh start for everyone involved, and that’s a good thing.

Redden is likely to pick a new team on Friday, TSN.ca’s Darren Dreger reported. Clubs “kicking the tires,” according to TSN.ca’s Bob McKenzie: the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. The Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes are considering Gomez, according to McKenzie.

Both can still apparently contribute, previous ridiculous contracts aside. Redden, an offensive defenseman, was productive in the AHL, where the Rangers stashed him to avoid his salary cap hit. Gomez’s offensive abilities cratered after the Canadiens acquired him (from the Rangers, not coincidentally) in 2009, but he still could play in the bottom six.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-01-17/wade-redden-scott-gomez-buyouts-rangers-canadiens-maple-leafs-rumours