The Oilers have placed forward Benoit Pouliot on unconditional waivers with the purposes of buying out his contract.

Pouliot had two years left at a salary-cap hit of $4 million. By buying out Pouliot, Edmonton saves $2.67 million against the cap the next two years.

The Anaheim Ducks are parting ways with defenseman Simon Despres, whose once-promising career has been curtailed by serious concussion issues.

The Ducks placed Despres on waivers Friday. General manager Bob Murray indicated the club will buy out the remainder of his $18.5 million contract.