The New York Islanders placed veteran defenceman Brendan Witt on waivers Wednesday and he cleared Thursday.
The 34-year-old will report to the Lslander's American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport on Friday.
"I have played in the NHL for 15 years," explained Witt. "I have managed a career for so many years by upholding to personal standards of integrity and ethics. I will not forego my beliefs even if it results in a demotion."
Witt was activated off injured reserve this week after sitting out most of last month with a knee injury. He has two goals and five points in 42 games this season.
The Islanders announced Wednesday that forward Josh Bailey will be sidelined two weeks with an upper-body injury suffered in Sunday's loss to Florida.
Chosen as the ninth overall selection in the 2008 Draft, the 20-year-old pivot has already reached career marks in goals (13) and points (27) through 55 games this season.
