Veteran winger Todd Bertuzzi cleared waivers on Saturday, making him unrestricted when the free agency period begins on Tuesday.
Bertuzzi was reunited with Ducks general manager Brian Burke last summer after signing a two-year, $8-million deal. By going unclaimed, the team will pay two-thirds of his remaining deal.
Also clearing waivers on Saturday was goalie Andrew Raycroft. The Maple Leafs placed Raycroft on unconditional waivers Friday and will buy out the final year of his contract.
Raycroft, who finished the year with just two wins in 19 appearances, was due to earn $2.2 million next season.
The Atlanta Thrashers made a move on Saturday, placing defenceman Alexei Zhitnik on waivers. The 15-year veteran was acquired from Philadelphia for defenceman Braydon Coburn on Feb. 24, 2007.
Last season, the Kiev, Ukraine native recorded three goals and five assists with a minus- 8 rating. The 35-year-old Zhitnik was a 4th round selection, 81st overall, by Los Angeles in 1991.
Also placed on waivers Saturday was Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Duvie Westcott.
In 23 games last season, the Winnipeg native posted one goal and three assists with a minus- 10 rating.
