The move comes off as unexpected, as Vermette, 34, has one season left on his current deal, carrying an affordable cap hit of $3.75 million.
His buyout will cost the Coyotes $1.25 million each of the next two seasons, according to Cap Friendly.
According to General Fanager, the Coyotes have over $6.3 million in cap space, with Tobias Rieder - a restricted free agent - being the only player without a contract.
After leaving Arizona to join the Chicago Blackhawks on their Stanley Cup run in 2015, Vermette returned to the Coyotes on a two-year deal last offseason. In 76 games, he scored 17 goals with 21 assists, and will surely gain attention on the waiver wire as an offensively capable pivot, who's strong in the faceoff circle.
After being linked to a deal over the weekend, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Sam Gagner made it official Monday, agreeing to a one-year contract, the club announced.
Gagner, who turns 27 on Aug. 10, hasn't quite lived up to expectations since the Edmonton Oilers made him the sixth overall pick in 2007, but Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen believes he has plenty to offer.
"Sam has scored 350 points and played in 600 games in the NHL and is still a young player who can be a solid contributor on our team," Kekalainen said. "He is a talented, right-handed shot center who will add to our skill and depth at that position."
Gagner spent last season with the Philadelphia Flyers, with a brief stint with the club's AHL affiliate. All told, he scored eight goals and added eight assists in 53 NHL contests in 2015-16.
Every day this week, theScore's hockey editors will evaluate NHL teams on a different level of management. This time, we're focusing on farm systems, ranking them based on prospect talent, affiliate stability and proximity to the parent clubs.
Farm systems
Head coaches (Tuesday, Aug. 2)
General managers (Wednesday, Aug. 3)
Owners (Thursday, Aug. 4)
Final rankings (Friday, Aug. 5)
30. Los Angeles Kings
The Ontario Reign captured the Pacific Division last season, but their crop of high-impact prospects remains slim.
The Kings have their fingers crossed that Adrian Kempe will translate his World Juniors success to the North American game, that Erik Cernak can be molded into a steady big-bodied defender, and that Mike Amadio will keep scoring like he did last season in the OHL.
29. Ottawa Senators
It's been a tough year for the Ottawa Senators' farm system.
The Binghamton Senators finished with the fourth-worst record in the AHL and their highly-touted draftee, Thomas Chabot, failed to impress at development camp. They still have Colin White, Logan Brown, and Matt O'Connor, but the herd is thin.
28. Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are hurting. The club's AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, finished with the fourth-worst record in the West.
Only Mikko Rantanen, J.T. Compher, and Tyson Jost stand out in their prospect pool. The 933-mile trip from Denver to San Antonio isn't ideal either.
27. Minnesota Wild
The Iowa Wild finished last in the AHL this past season. Joel Eriksson Ek -- plucked 20th overall in 2015 -- is the team's most intriguing prospect with Alex Tuch not far behind.
Mike Reilly could still pan out, but has yet to show the same elite play in the NHL that he did in the NCAA.
26. Pittsburgh Penguins
There's a price to be paid for winning the Stanley Cup.
The Penguins' AHL club in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton remains strong, but with few high-end prospects outside Conor Sheary, Bryan Rust, Derrick Pouliot, and Daniel Sprong, the organization might just have to settle for the Cup.
25. New York Rangers
Pavel Buchnevich and Brady Skjei are the Rangers' best bets to jump into the lineup. The club's prospect pool is shallow, as testified by the Hartford Wolf Pack's playoff miss.
24. Washington Capitals
The Hershey Bears remain one of the strongest clubs in the AHL, but in terms of young prospects, there isn't much to choose from.
The club's 2014 first-round pick, Jakub Vrana, has shown promise. Defenseman Madison Bowey has also been a bright light, and that's a positive sign with defense being the Washington's weakest point.
23. Nashville Predators
Predators fans are still waiting for Kevin Fiala to jump into the lineup full time.
Fiala led the Milwaukee Admirals to a third-place finish in the AHL, but were swept in the first round. Vladislav Kamenev and Yakov Trenin are two other prospects to watch for, but don't expect the world from them.
22. Dallas Stars
Devin Shore, Brett Ritchie, and Radek Faksa are just a sample of the youngsters likely to be regulars for the Stars before long. The Texas Stars are in close proximity to their NHL club and just three years removed from a Calder Cup championship.
21. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning's prospect pool isn't what it used to be and if you're unsure as to why, just take a look at their current NHL roster.
Eleven Lightning players have come up from the Syracuse Crunch since the 2012-13 season. Slater Koekkoek and Brayden Point are among those who could follow suit, but for now the majority of the organization's young talent can already be found within the big club.
20. Florida Panthers
Lawson Crouse might have been be a steal with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 draft, having put up 62 points in 49 games in the OHL last season.
However, the remainder of the club's young talent is lacking outside of Jayce Hawryluk, and with 2,682 miles between Portland and Sunrise, call-ups are making quite the trek.
19. Chicago Blackhawks
Three Stanley Cups over the last seven seasons mean the Blackhawks haven't acquired many high-end prospects.
However, Ville Pokka -- a steal in the second round in 2012 -- and Nick Schmaltz, who was signed out of college in 2014, are two outstanding prospects that should complement the club perfectly when their time comes.
They have Thatcher Demko, Olli Juolevi, and Brock Boeser coming, but their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, are 2,295 miles away from Vancouver. That's a problem.
17. Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres could've been much higher here if they'd already inked Jimmy Vesey to a deal, but his destination won't likely be known for a couple more weeks.
The San Diego Gulls enjoyed a fairly successful first season, finishing second in the Pacific Division and making it to the second round of the playoffs.
The Ducks own some high-quality talent in Shea Theodore and Nick Ritchie, who before long should become full-timers on the NHL roster.
15. Philadelphia Flyers
Shayne Gostisbehere is proof that the Flyers' farm system is producing elite talent.
Vince Dunn and Jordan Schmaltz's numbers are solid at first glance, but extremely impressive when you consider they're both defensemen.
Ty Rattie also remains one of the club's most high-profile prospects, but he's failed to translate his scoring touch to the NHL. The Blues' roster has very few openings, but that only gives their prospects more time to grow.
13. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have a goal-scoring machine waiting in the on-deck circle.
Timo Meier was plucked ninth overall in 2015, and with 87 points in 52 games over the last two years, he's certainly proving his worth. San Jose also has another handful of skillful players including Nikolay Goldobin, who's already been given a small taste of NHL experience.
Factor in the same-city AHL club and the Sharks are in good standing with their system.
12. Calgary Flames
The 1,294-mile distance between Calgary and Stockton is better than when the Flames' AHL affiliate was in Adirondack, and they have some solid prospects.
Evidence of the strength of the Devils' farm system is written all over the big club.
The club's current head coach came from the Albany Devils, and New Jersey's biggest surprises this year also came from the AHL. Joseph Blandisi and Scott Wedgewood showed promise in their short stints, all while Pavel Zacha sat waiting in the wings.
10. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings' prospect pool might not be what it once was, but it's still quite mighty.
Of course the Oilers have solid young talent, because ... well, you know.
Their AHL club isn't strong because the team has been forced to push draft picks straight to the NHL for years. However, they still have Drake Caggiula, Anton Slepyshev, and Jesse Puljujarvi.
6. New York Islanders
The Islanders don't have many openings on their NHL roster, so the club is in turn loading up on talented prospects.
Mathew Barzal, Michael Dal Colle, and Anthony Beauviller are arguably the club's most intriguing options, and despite questions about his attitude, Josh Ho-Sang is an incredible talent who shouldn't be ignored, especially if he can get his act together.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have had their ups and their downs in recent seasons. Veterans once held in high esteem have dropped the ball.
The Jets have star prospects at every position with Kyle Connor, Nic Petan, Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck. Through drafting and college free agency, Winnipeg has built a prospect pool that should develop as the team continues to push for playoff success.
The Manitoba Moose also play out of Winnipeg, which certainly helps with immediate call-ups.
2. Arizona Coyotes
While the NHL franchise has been in a state of uncertainty, the Coyotes' farm system is in good standing.
New general manager John Chayka has quickly made smart moves, further cementing the desert dogs as a team to be feared very soon.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs
Some tough seasons are finally starting to pay dividends for the Maple Leafs. They've landed William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and potential No. 1 center Auston Matthews in the last three drafts.
Consider that the AHL affiliate also calls Toronto home - boasting two consecutive conference finals appearances - and you have a farm system firing on all cylinders.
Every day this week, theScore's hockey editors will evaluate NHL teams on a different level of management. This time, we're focusing on farm systems, ranking them based on prospect talent, affiliate stability and proximity to the parent clubs.
Farm systems
Head coaches (Tuesday, Aug. 2)
General managers (Wednesday, Aug. 3)
Owners (Thursday, Aug. 4)
Final rankings (Friday, Aug. 5)
30. Los Angeles Kings
The Ontario Reign captured the Pacific Division last season, but their crop of high-impact prospects remains slim.
The Kings have their fingers crossed that Adrian Kempe will translate his World Juniors success to the North American game, that Erik Cernak can be molded into a steady big-bodied defender, and that Mike Amadio will keep scoring like he did last season in the OHL.
29. Ottawa Senators
It's been a tough year for the Ottawa Senators' farm system.
The Binghamton Senators finished with the fourth-worst record in the AHL and their highly-touted draftee, Thomas Chabot, failed to impress at development camp. They still have Colin White, Logan Brown, and Matt O'Connor, but the herd is thin.
28. Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are hurting. The club's AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, finished with the fourth-worst record in the West.
Only Mikko Rantanen, J.T. Compher, and Tyson Jost stand out in their prospect pool. The 933-mile trip from Denver to San Antonio isn't ideal either.
27. Minnesota Wild
The Iowa Wild finished last in the AHL this past season. Joel Eriksson Ek -- plucked 20th overall in 2015 -- is the team's most intriguing prospect with Alex Tuch not far behind.
Mike Reilly could still pan out, but has yet to show the same elite play in the NHL that he did in the NCAA.
26. Pittsburgh Penguins
There's a price to be paid for winning the Stanley Cup.
The Penguins' AHL club in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton remains strong, but with few high-end prospects outside Conor Sheary, Bryan Rust, Derrick Pouliot, and Daniel Sprong, the organization might just have to settle for the Cup.
25. New York Rangers
Pavel Buchnevich and Brady Skjei are the Rangers' best bets to jump into the lineup. The club's prospect pool is shallow, as testified by the Hartford Wolf Pack's playoff miss.
24. Washington Capitals
The Hershey Bears remain one of the strongest clubs in the AHL, but in terms of young prospects, there isn't much to choose from.
The club's 2014 first-round pick, Jakub Vrana, has shown promise. Defenseman Madison Bowey has also been a bright light, and that's a positive sign with defense being the Washington's weakest point.
23. Nashville Predators
Predators fans are still waiting for Kevin Fiala to jump into the lineup full time.
Fiala led the Milwaukee Admirals to a third-place finish in the AHL, but were swept in the first round. Vladislav Kamenev and Yakov Trenin are two other prospects to watch for, but don't expect the world from them.
22. Dallas Stars
Devin Shore, Brett Ritchie, and Radek Faksa are just a sample of the youngsters likely to be regulars for the Stars before long. The Texas Stars are in close proximity to their NHL club and just three years removed from a Calder Cup championship.
21. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning's prospect pool isn't what it used to be and if you're unsure as to why, just take a look at their current NHL roster.
Eleven Lightning players have come up from the Syracuse Crunch since the 2012-13 season. Slater Koekkoek and Brayden Point are among those who could follow suit, but for now the majority of the organization's young talent can already be found within the big club.
20. Florida Panthers
Lawson Crouse might have been be a steal with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 draft, having put up 62 points in 49 games in the OHL last season.
However, the remainder of the club's young talent is lacking outside of Jayce Hawryluk, and with 2,682 miles between Portland and Sunrise, call-ups are making quite the trek.
19. Chicago Blackhawks
Three Stanley Cups over the last seven seasons mean the Blackhawks haven't acquired many high-end prospects.
However, Ville Pokka -- a steal in the second round in 2012 -- and Nick Schmaltz, who was signed out of college in 2014, are two outstanding prospects that should complement the club perfectly when their time comes.
They have Thatcher Demko, Olli Juolevi, and Brock Boeser coming, but their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, are 2,295 miles away from Vancouver. That's a problem.
17. Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres could've been much higher here if they'd already inked Jimmy Vesey to a deal, but his destination won't likely be known for a couple more weeks.
The San Diego Gulls enjoyed a fairly successful first season, finishing second in the Pacific Division and making it to the second round of the playoffs.
The Ducks own some high-quality talent in Shea Theodore and Nick Ritchie, who before long should become full-timers on the NHL roster.
15. Philadelphia Flyers
Shayne Gostisbehere is proof that the Flyers' farm system is producing elite talent.
Vince Dunn and Jordan Schmaltz's numbers are solid at first glance, but extremely impressive when you consider they're both defensemen.
Ty Rattie also remains one of the club's most high-profile prospects, but he's failed to translate his scoring touch to the NHL. The Blues' roster has very few openings, but that only gives their prospects more time to grow.
13. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have a goal-scoring machine waiting in the on-deck circle.
Timo Meier was plucked ninth overall in 2015, and with 87 points in 52 games over the last two years, he's certainly proving his worth. San Jose also has another handful of skillful players including Nikolay Goldobin, who's already been given a small taste of NHL experience.
Factor in the same-city AHL club and the Sharks are in good standing with their system.
12. Calgary Flames
The 1,294-mile distance between Calgary and Stockton is better than when the Flames' AHL affiliate was in Adirondack, and they have some solid prospects.
Evidence of the strength of the Devils' farm system is written all over the big club.
The club's current head coach came from the Albany Devils, and New Jersey's biggest surprises this year also came from the AHL. Joseph Blandisi and Scott Wedgewood showed promise in their short stints, all while Pavel Zacha sat waiting in the wings.
10. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings' prospect pool might not be what it once was, but it's still quite mighty.
Of course the Oilers have solid young talent, because ... well, you know.
Their AHL club isn't strong because the team has been forced to push draft picks straight to the NHL for years. However, they still have Drake Caggiula, Anton Slepyshev, and Jesse Puljujarvi.
6. New York Islanders
The Islanders don't have many openings on their NHL roster, so the club is in turn loading up on talented prospects.
Mathew Barzal, Michael Dal Colle, and Anthony Beauviller are arguably the club's most intriguing options, and despite questions about his attitude, Josh Ho-Sang is an incredible talent who shouldn't be ignored, especially if he can get his act together.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have had their ups and their downs in recent seasons. Veterans once held in high esteem have dropped the ball.
The Jets have star prospects at every position with Kyle Connor, Nic Petan, Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck. Through drafting and college free agency, Winnipeg has built a prospect pool that should develop as the team continues to push for playoff success.
The Manitoba Moose also play out of Winnipeg, which certainly helps with immediate call-ups.
2. Arizona Coyotes
While the NHL franchise has been in a state of uncertainty, the Coyotes' farm system is in good standing.
New general manager John Chayka has quickly made smart moves, further cementing the desert dogs as a team to be feared very soon.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs
Some tough seasons are finally starting to pay dividends for the Maple Leafs. They've landed William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and potential No. 1 center Auston Matthews in the last three drafts.
Consider that the AHL affiliate also calls Toronto home - boasting two consecutive conference finals appearances - and you have a farm system firing on all cylinders.
Is a Kevin Shattenkirk-for-Rick Nash deal a possibility? Could the Jets trade Jacob Trouba? Read on for the latest. SHATTENKIRK-FOR-NASH A POSSIBILITY? ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: In a July 29 live chat, Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford reported there’s nothing new on the trade front regarding defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. He noted there’s growing speculation Shattenkirk […]
Avalanche re-sign Tyson Barrie, plus updates on Alex Steen, Oscar Klefbom & more in this morning’s collection of NHL headlines. THE DENVER POST: The Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Tyson Barrie reached agreement on Sunday on a new contract just prior to an arbitrator’s decision. Barrie inked a four-year, $22 million deal. “Barrie will make $5 […]
The Edmonton Oilers defenseman attempted to clarify comments made about the departed forward Sunday.
"All of our key players underperformed, including myself. Not only Taylor Hall," Klefbom told Ola Winther of HockeySverige.se in a follow-up interview, hours after his original remarks were published.
Here's what the blue-liner originally told Winther, as translated by Swedish journalist Martin Lunden:
I also understand the strong (negative) reactions (to trading Hall) (especially as) Hall has been our best player for the last couple of years. But at the same time, it's also somewhat tricky to pinpoint exactly what he has been able to accomplish for us.
Unfortunately, he rarely had his best games when we played the toughest teams - when we might've needed it the most - while he always played amazingly well when we were up towards the somewhat (lesser) teams.
Hall was traded to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Adam Larsson on June 29. Hall notched 132 goals and 328 points in 381 games over six seasons with the Oilers after being selected first overall in 2010.
Barrie is coming off his fourth full season with the Avalanche since being drafted in the third round in 2009.
The 2015-16 campaign marked the second straight season in which Barrie led all Avalanche defenders in scoring, doing so while also tying a career high with 13 goals in 78 games.
Barrie became the first restricted free agent to make it to an arbitration hearing on Friday. Reports suggested that Barrie was seeking a one-year, $6-million deal, while the Avalanche were reportedly looking for a two-year contract that would have paid Barrie $4 million and $4.25 million respectively.
With Barrie's deal done, the Avalanche have now signed all of their pending free agents.
That would be defenseman Oscar Klefbom, who - in an interview with Swedish hockey news site hockeysverige.se - believes the team as a whole is set to be better despite losing its best player.
I believe the team as whole is better. We've got plenty of promising forwards and we desperately needed a top-right defender. I also believe Larsson is due for his real breakthrough and hopefully I'll get the chance to form a defensive pairing with him and get the chemistry going.
I also understand the strong (negative) reactions (to trading Hall) (especially as) Hall has been our best player for the last couple of years. But at the same time, it's also somewhat tricky to pinpoint exactly what he has been able to accomplish for us.
Unfortunately, he rarely had his best games when we played the toughest teams - when we might've needed it the most - while he always played amazingly well when we were up towards the somewhat (lesser) teams.
It's important to note Klefbom refers to Hall as Edmonton's best player over the past couple seasons, and rightfully so.
In his eyes, however, the team as a whole is more balanced with help on the back end, which, ideally, will enable the remaining forwards to step up and fill the hole left by the departed winger.
Still, the defenseman's assessment may not be quite accurate.
18 of Taylor Hall's 26 goals last season came against playoff teams.
