Philadelphia Flyers Trade News Update 2013: Flyers Buyout Danny Briere

After six seasons, the Philadelphia Flyers have decided to buyout forward Danny Briere.

The team announced that it would utilize one of its compliance buyouts to get rid of remaining two years of Briere's contract and his $6.5 million cap hit over the next two years.

"I met with Danny last week and informed him of our decision to use a compliance buyout on his contract," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren stated. "This was a very difficult decision for us to make as Danny has been a very good player for us over the past six years. Danny came to our organization as a free agent in July of 2007 and has been a tremendous player, person and role model in all aspects and for that we thank him. We wish him continued success and best wishes in any future endeavors."

Briere joined the club in the summer of 2007 and scored 25 or more goals goals in three of his six seasons. During his tenure, the Flyers reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice and earned a berth in the Stanley Cup finals in 2010. His best season came in 2007-08 when he recorded 31 goals and 72 points. However, he only managed 16 points in 34 games during the 2012-13 season.

"They were respectful the whole time," Briere said of the Flyers' approach. "It wasn't an easy thing for them, either, meeting with me and having to break the news. But they did it with a lot of class. I'll always be grateful for that and also my time here as a Flyer."

"I've been here a long time," he added about his time in Philadelphia. "This is home now for me and my family. Yes, it's not an easy day, but at the same time, I've seen all the rumors and reality was that it was going to happen. Like I said, it's sad, but at the same time, hopefully it's new doors that open, new opportunities. Obviously I'm not very happy with the way last season went, but it's also extra motivation moving forward, to prove that I can still play, and hopefully I still have a few more years."

The Flyers recently signed former NY Islanders captain Mark Streit to a four-year, $21 million contract.

The Flyers can utilize one more compliance buyout to open up cap space. Many suspect that the team will look to get rid of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov's $5.66 million caphit; he is signed until 2020.