Rick DiPietro has been released from his contract with AHL Charlotte. It was DiPietro that requested the release. He's trying to work his way back into the NHL, but probably didn't do himself any favors with his 5.18 GAA and .846 save percentage in five contests with Charlotte.

Goaltender Rick DiPietro is trying to let go, but it hasn't been easy. He dreams of returning to the NHL and winning a Stanley Cup, but he also laments parting with the Islanders just before they started turning the corner. "I've been a part of a lot of average teams and rebuilding teams over the last 12 years," DiPietro said. "That was really the most frustrating part. Finally, when things seemed to be turning around in Long Island and coming to fruition, I'm gone. I don't know if it's even sunk in yet totally. I'm still trying to sell my house in Long Island and move on." The Islanders' former franchise goaltender is now playing for the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League, the minor-league affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. He had given up nine goals in two starts. At 32, he said he still is trying to get past his days with the Islanders, who are paying him $1.5 million a year for the next 16 years after buying out his contract in July.

Rick DiPietro kicked out 25 of 29 shots in his first AHL start with the Charlotte Checkers. Not exactly the start the Carolina Hurricanes were likely hoping for after DiPietro signed a professional tryout with their AHL squad. Carolina is hurting for goaltending help, but DiPietro probably isn't the answer.

Rick DiPietro has agreed to a professional tryout with Carolina's AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. He will join the team Saturday night. DiPietro as bought out by the New York Islanders in July. The oft-injured netminder will join the Hurricanes' organization as a contingency plan. Cam Ward and Anton Khudobin are out with injuries, so Carolina has an inexperienced tandem of Justin Peters and Mike Murphy right now.

Rick DiPietro is frustrated that he won't be a part of the Islanders as they start to emerge as contenders. "The Isles are finally (turning a corner) and the most disappointing part is that I won't be a part of it," DiPietro said. The netminder who was bought out by the Isles still wants to continue his career in the NHL and said he's healthy. "I definitely want to play," he said. DiPietro will be paid $1.5 million for the next 16 years as part of the buyout.

The New York Islanders' buyout of goalie Rick DiPietro became official Wednesday. The Islanders will pay DiPietro $1.5 million per season for the next 16 seasons as a result of the move but won't have to deal with his cap hit, injuries or the looming shadow of his massive contract anymore. "It was an extremely tough decision to use the compliance buyout on Rick's contract," GM Garth Snow said. "His drive to win games and compete at the highest level for the New York Islanders was never questioned. With Rick back at 100% health, we wish him nothing but the best as he continues to pursue his career."

The New York Islanders officially placed Rick DiPietro on unconditional waivers Tuesday. The move was made with the intention of buying out the veteran goalie, who spent part of last season with the team's AHL affiliate. The Islanders will owe DiPietro $1.5 million per season for the next 16 season, but they won't have his salary on their cap after buying him out.

The New York Islanders will place Rick DiPietro on waivers Tuesday for the purpose of using a compliance buyout on the goalie, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple. The DiPietro saga is finally coming to an end. The goalie who became more famous for his contract and injuries than his play will finally get a chance to redeem himself and the Islanders get DiPietro's cap hit off their books. The Isles will owe DiPietro $1.5 million per season for the next 16 seasons, but it's the best move for both parties.

A decision on Rick DiPietro's potential buyout could be coming soon from Islanders GM Garth Snow. It shouldn't come as any kind of surprise that New York was unable to trade DiPietro's contract on draft day. Evgeni Nabokov might be heading to free agency on Friday, so the Islanders may need to keep DiPietro in the fold if they can't bring in another goaltender.

The New York Islanders still haven't stated what their plans are when it comes to using their compliance buyouts. Rick DiPietro is at the forefront in this regard. The Islanders aren't hard up for cap space, but DiPietro is signed through the 2020-21 season at a salary cap hit of $4.5 million per year.