Report: Wild waive forward, expected to be bought out.

The Minnesota Wild were forced to make a tough decision on Thursday, one that was likely caused by the fact they are unable to buyout injured goaltender Niklas Backstrom. According to the Wild's official website the team has placed veteran forward Matt Cooke for the purpose of eventually buying him out, a move that will give them some cap relief. More from the original report:

“In order to give our team more salary cap flexibility for the upcoming season we needed to make this difficult decision,” said Fletcher. “We thank Matt for his time with the Wild and wish him the best going forward.” If he clears waivers, Minnesota will buy-out the final year of Matt Cooke’s contract as allowed by the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. He will be bought out and become an unrestricted free agent, eligible to sign with any team in the NHL, except Minnesota.

Fletcher obviously didn't come to this decision easily, but the looming free agency of Devan Dubynk may have forced his hand.