The Los Angeles Kings made a roster move on Tuesday. Which is odd, considering they haven’t played a game in months.
But that move -- activating veteran blueliner Matt Greene off injured reserve -- had a purpose, according to L.A. Kings Insider. The club will reportedly buy Greene out of the final year of his contract.
Greene, 34, was heading into the last of a four-year, $10 million pact with a $2.5M average annual cap hit. He only appeared in 26 games last year, missing extensive time with back and groin injuries. Per L.A. Kings Insider, Greene underwent back surgery during the second half of last season, and has fully recovered from the procedure.
This is one of the first significant player moves from new Kings GM Rob Blake, and it doesn’t come as a huge surprise. The club is in desperate need of financial relief under the salary cap, and Greene’s hit will be trimmed to $833,333 over the next two seasons once the buyout becomes complete.