Watch CBS News

Islanders Place Goalie Rick DiPietro On Waivers

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Embattled and oft-injured goalie Rick DiPietro has been placed on waivers by the Islanders and will likely be headed to the minors once he clears, as expected.

The Islanders announced the move Friday, one day after they defeated the Canadiens in Montreal. New York will next play at the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday before returning home to face Carolina on Sunday.

DiPietro will head to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL if he goes unclaimed, Newsday reported.

Selected first overall by the Islanders in the 2000 draft, DiPietro signed a record 15-year, $67.5 million deal in 2006.

"Well, 15 years seems like a long time," DiPietro said in '06 of his contract, which has been criticized by Islanders fans as a major bust. "It is a long time."

It's expected the rest of the league will pass on DiPietro -- and his mammoth contract. Young goalie Kevin Poulin will be recalled from the Sound Tigers once DiPietro clears waivers, Newsday reported.

DiPietro has been plagued by injuries, appearing in only 50 games since the 2007-08 season, 26 of which came in 2010-11.

The 31-year-old DiPietro has played in three games this season while serving as the backup to Evgeni Nabokov. He is 0-3 with a 4.09 goals-against average in his appearances.

The Islanders acquired suspended goalie Tim Thomas from Boston earlier this season, but it is unclear if he will ever play for New York, as he has elected to sit out this season.

It was just a matter of time, right? Isles fans, sound off in the comments...

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.