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After helping ‘change the culture,’ Greene’s Kings career ends with buyout

Anaheim Ducks v Los Angeles Kings

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Matt Greene #2 of the Los Angeles Kings takes a shot during a preseason game against the Anaheim Ducks at Staples Center on September 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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The Los Angeles Kings made it official on Friday and bought out the remaining years of defenseman Matt Greene’s contract.

Greene spent nine years as a member of the Kings, winning two Stanley Cups with the team in 2011-12 and 2013-14.

In a statement announcing the move, team president Luc Robitaille spoke about Greene’s impact on the organization and how he helped change the team’s culture as soon as he arrived.

“Matt has made incredible contributions to our hockey club and we are very grateful for everything he has done since joining our organization including his outstanding leadership,” said Robitaille.

“Upon his arrival to Los Angeles he played a significant role in helping change the culture of the Kings and his contributions to our two Stanley Cups in particular is immeasurable.”

Injuries have completely decimated Greene’s career in recent years, limiting him to just 154 games over the past five seasons.

The buyout will cost the Kings a salary cap hit of $833,333 for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.