Hurricanes GM cites 'compete level' as impetus for Semin buyout

Alexander Semin is jumping into the free-agent pool.

The forward was placed on unconditional waivers Tuesday for the purpose of a contract buyout by the Carolina Hurricanes, and general manager Ron Francis cited Semin's lack of determination as the impetus for the decision.

"He certainly has had some injuries, but last season he did not have the compete level we expect," Francis said. "We talk about holding our players accountable, and there were some things we felt he did not hold up to, so we made this decision.

"When we talk about accountability and a consistently high compete level, we have to follow through, or they make no sense. He did not have that high compete level, for whatever reason."

Semin, playing the second season of a five-year, $35-million contract, appeared in only 57 games for the Hurricanes in 2014-15 due to various injuries, recording six goals and 13 assists.

The 31-year-old did, however, post a 55.9 Corsi For rating at even strength with a career-low shooting percentage of 6.5, suggesting his lack of production may be more an issue of bad luck than lack of trying.

Nevertheless, he and the Hurricanes are parting ways, with 29 other teams free to sign him as of 12 p.m. ET on July 1.