James Wisniewski played all of 47 seconds for the Carolina Hurricanes last season, before tearing his ACL in the first period of his debut -- an injury that required surgery and ended his 2015-16 season.
On Thursday, the Hurricanes bought out the final year of his six-year contract, which had a cap hit of $5.5 million. He’ll now enter free agency on Friday.
The Hurricanes initially acquired the now 32-year-old Wisniewski, a veteran defenseman with 552 regular season games of experience and 274 career points, from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for goalie Anton Khudobin a year ago.
Canes have bought out contract of James Wisniewski. Injured knee in first period of season-opener last year.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) June 30, 2016
The Ducks previously acquired Wisniewski from Columbus at the 2015 trade deadline. He played 13 regular season games with Anaheim, with five assists, but didn’t play in the post-season.
Canes brought in Wiz to help with power play and work with younger D-men. Played 47 seconds, tore ACL, out for season.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) June 30, 2016
I enjoyed my time in Raleigh #47 seconds, in all seriousness best of luck to the organization and all the great #caniacs out there!
— James Wisniewski (@jameswisniewski) June 30, 2016
