Edmonton Oilers defenceman Sheldon Souray cleared waivers on Saturday, meaning the NHL's 29 other teams have passed for now on acquiring the 33-year old blueliner.
The Oilers can now choose to keep Souray on their roster or send him to the minors. If he is sent down, he could be placed on re-entry waivers by the team at a later date, at which time he can be claimed - but Edmonton would have to pay half his salary.
Souray is in the midst of a five-year contract with Edmonton that runs through the 2011-12 season. The no-trade clause on the deal has expired.
"I understand the business side of things and I hope things work out for both the Oilers and for myself," Souray told TSN on Friday when he was first placed on waivers.
Souray had two lengthy absences from Edmonton's line-up last season because of injury. A concussion (16 games) and broken hand (29 games) limited him to just 34 appearances, where he scored four goals and nine assists.
