When the Buffalo Sabres traded a conditional sixth round pick to the Oilers for Linus Omark, most thought of it as a low-risk, high-reward type of move. After all, such a low pick for a guy who’s flashed talent in the AHL but never quite found his stride in the NHL seemed like a reasonable gamble.
Today, like most long shot bets, the Sabres admitted that this one didn’t quite work out, as they’ve placed Linus Omark on unconditional waivers, effectively ending his tenure as member of the Sabres organization.
For those unfamiliar with how unconditional waivers differs from the usual waiver rules, the unconditional version is, like its name implies, much more final. By putting him on unconditional waivers, the Sabres basically announced to the league that they will be buying out the remainder of Omark’s contract in 48 hours. However, any other team can pick him up before then for the bargain-bin price of $125. Yes, that’s one hundred twenty-five American dollars.
This move means that Omark’s time with the Sabres is at an end. He previously refused to report to Rochester when demoted before the Olympics (boy, that’s really becoming a theme, huh?) and has been hainging out in Europe for the past few weeks. Omark was ineffective during his short NHL stint in Buffalo with just two assists in 14 games.
BTW, Omark had been assigned by BUF to Rochester (AHL) but he had refused to report. Unconditional waivers is a solid no-fault divorce.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 17, 2014
This move will allow Linus to play over in Europe for the remainder of the season, but this likely also ends his career in the NHL, as it’s doubtful that the 27-year-old will get another shot with a North American team next season. Farewell Linus, we hardly knew ye, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
