According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, The Washington Capitals have put defenseman Jeff Schultz on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying him out. Though George McPhee said just two weeks ago that he is no fan of compliance buyouts, it appears that is exactly what is about to happen to Sarge.

Schultz fell out of favor with the Capitals this season, playing just 26 games of the shortened season and none in the playoffs.

[Insert mandatory reference to Schultz leading the NHL in plus/minus in 2009-10. Also insert compulsory explanation of how plus/minus is a garbage statistic.]

Schultz has one year remaining on his UFA contract, which carries a $2.75 M cap hit. That cash could go a long way for the cash-strapped Capitals towards re-upping Karl Alzner and Marcus Johansson, and hopefully attaining another top-six forward or top-four defenseman as well.

We’ve already made our peace with Mr. Nasty. Farewell, sir.