Senators buy out final year of Cheechoo's contract

OTTAWA, Ontario --The Ottawa Senators are buying out the final year of forward Jonathan Cheechoo's contract.

One day after waiving the 2006 winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy, when Cheechoo scored an NHL-best 56 goals, the Senators said Tuesday that they are cutting the 29-year-old winger loose.

Cheechoo was set to earn $3.5 million next season. After he cleared waivers, the Senators were allowed to buy him out.

Cheechoo, acquired from San Jose last year in the big trade that sent Dany Heatley to the Sharks, had only five goals with nine assists in 61 games for Ottawa. He added eight goals and six assists in 25 games with Binghamton of the AHL.