Report: Panthers place captain Ed Jovanovski on waivers for the purpose of buyout

The Florida Panthers have placed veteran defenseman Ed Jovanovski on unconditional $125 waivers, according to CBC's Elliotte Friedman. The team intends on using a compliance buyout on Jovanovski's deal, according to a report from Sun Sentinel beat writer Harvey Fialkov.

Jovanovski has one year and $4 million in actual salary remaining on the four-year, $16.5 million contract he signed in the summer of 2011. 

The steady Panthers veteran became the first NHL player to return from hip resurfacing surgery this past campaign. He dressed in 37 contests and managed a goal and five points. 

A buyout of Jovanovski's deal will cost the Panthers $2.66 million over two years per capgeek.com.