Wings Waive Three

The Detroit Red Wings placed three veteran players on waivers today, clearing a way for a buyout of their contracts.

If no other NHL team claims Derian Hatcher, Darren McCarty or Ray Whitney within 24 hours, they will be eligible for buyouts that would render them unrestricted free agents.

As part of the transitional phase of the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement, a one-time buyout period is in effect until Friday at 5:00 PM EDT. Any player that is bought out in this period cannot play for the team that bought him out during the 2005-06 season.

Hatcher spent 2003-04 with Detroit after starting his career with the Minnesota North Stars and following that franchise to Dallas. He was limited to only 15 games for the Red Wings after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

McCarty broke into the league with the Red Wings in 1993-94 and has been with the team ever since. A member of the famous “Grind Line,” McCarty has been a fan favorite but has had several injuries in recent years.

Whitney joined the Red Wings for the 2003-04 campaign after spending time with the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets. He finished second in scoring for Detroit during the 2004 playoffs, with his seven points trailing only Robert Lang’s nine.