UNIONDALE, N.Y. - The New York Islanders have placed forward Shawn Bates on waivers and plan to buy out the final year of his contract.

Last season, Bates missed all but two games while recovering from groin and hip injuries. "We felt this move is the most beneficial for both the team and for Shawn going forward into next season," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a release.

Bates, 33, was due to earn US$1.2 million next season.

Bates' best season as an Islander came in 2001-02 when he recorded 17 goals and 35 assists.