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Matt Cooke, who was signed immediately after the Wild traded Devin Setoguchi to the Jets, was place on waivers Thursday afternoon. Minnesota plans to buyout the rest of his 3-year $7.5 million contract, which included a no-trade clause. According to War-On-Ice.com, his buyout AAV will be $500,000 compared to the $3 million he was to be owed this upcoming season. Due to buyout rules, he will also receive $1 million next year as well for a total of $2 million to equal two thirds of his salary for the 2015-16 season.
...And there was much rejoicing.
Boston should Claim Matt Cooke and make him a master of the custodial arts at the Garden. And let fans in Savard jerseys dickpunch him.
— Vin (@RoseTintedVisor) June 18, 2015
RIP Matt Cooke's hockey career. After he runs through his money, I want to buy his Stanley Cup ring so I can destroy it live on YouTube.
— Evil Mark Rycroft (@EvilMarkRycroft) June 18, 2015
I'm super surprised Matt Cooke is getting bought out. Like totally shocked. This is my shocked face: pic.twitter.com/1R1zlm9ce1
— MacEwan (@FrostyBear21) June 18, 2015
God, Proteau and Matt Cooke on the same day? Whoever's behind this, let's get to work on Maroon 5 next and keep the ball rolling
— Anthrax Jones (@AnthraxJones) June 18, 2015
I guess with Cooke no longer in Minnesota it'll be impossible for the Avs to ever set the proper tone ever again :(
— AJ Haefele (@BaconCrush) June 18, 2015
Cooke was brought on to be a veteran with Stanley Cup experience in a relatively young locker room. That was before the Wild had brought in Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek, and kids like Nino Niederreiter and Justin Fontaine saw more time at the NHL level. He was injured with a hernia early in the season and came back for a few games in January before eventually getting shutdown for the remainder of the season only to resurface in the playoffs. He was unable to fulfill the role he was brought in for, and with cheaper, younger options to choose from, he quickly became expendable.