The Florida Panthers have announced placing center Jozef Stumpel on waivers in what could be a prelude to buying out the remainder of his contract.

Stumpel has one year at $2.25 million remaining on his current contract. He’d been a consistent 50-point player throughout this decade but last season struggled with injury posting his lowest offensive totals in a decade.

It’s possible he could play overseas next season but he might test this summer’s NHL UFA market where he could be an affordable depth.

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed center Kyle Wellwood off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Not a bad move by the Canucks as this is an affordable way to bring some depth at center. Wellwood has the potential to be a second line scorer but the injury prone center must improve his conditioning to reach that potential.

The Ottawa Senators have parted ways with tough guy Brian McGratton, shipping him to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a fifth round pick in 2009.

McGratton’s presence should make teams in the Western Conference think twice about taking liberties against the Coyotes best players. He’s a restricted free agent but the Coyotes shouldn’t have too much trouble getting one of the league’s best brawlers under contract.

Former NY Islanders goaltender Wade Dubieliewicz has reportedly signed a two-year contract with AK-Bars Kazan of the newly formed Kontinental Hockey League.

Dubielewicz rejected a contract offer from the Islanders and was eligible for UFA status in July.

The 34-year-old Stumpel scored 23 goals and 57 points with the Panthers last season, so it's not surprising general manager Jacques Martin hoped to re-sign him. He's consistently posted 50+ point seasons in six of the last seven years, and at $2.25 million per season is an affordable re-signing by Martin, who continues to put his stamp on the Panthers.

His scoring touch and experience should continue to make him a valuable presence for the Panthers offence, particularly as the club gears up to take a run at making the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

Cowan, 30, was acquired by the Canucks in a mid-season trade with the LA Kings and his gritty, energetic style made him a welcome and popular addition to the Canucks checking lines. He even inspired several female Canucks fans to toss bras on the ice whenever he scores a goal.

With popularity like that, who can blame the Canucks for keeping him? Seriously though, he proved his worth to the Canucks during last year's playoffs, which included an overtime goal against the Anaheim Ducks.

**UPDATE**

The Calgary Flames today re-signed forward Wayne Primeau to a three-year contract. Financial terms have yet to be disclosed.  

Primeau was acquired by the Flames from the Boston Bruins last February in a deal that also brought defenseman Brad Stuart to Calgary, and while it's unlikely Stuart will return with the Flames it's obvious Primeau's checking skills have been appreciated by GM Darryl Sutter.

Although never a scorer like his older brother Keith, Wayne Primeau is a very good checking forward, who can play both center and left wing, doesn't shy away from the heavy hitting and his penalty kiling skills.

It's believed the Flames could return to a more defensive oriented game next season, so Primeau's style will make him a good fit.