Toronto, ON (Best E Casino) - The Toronto Maple Leafs bought out the remainder of forward Darcy Tucker's contract on Wednesday.

Known throughout the league as a thorn in the opposing team's side, Tucker had three years left on his current deal.

According to a Toronto newspaper, he will receive two-thirds of the remaining amount -- $6 million (U.S.) -- which will count against the Leafs' salary cap over the next six years. He had signed a four-year extension with the team in February, 2007.

Last season with Toronto, the 33-year-old Alberta native posted 18 goals and 16 assists along with 100 penalty minutes in 74 games. However, his goal and point production has decreased in each of the last three campaigns.

Over 12 seasons in the NHL, including stints to begin his career with Montreal and Tampa Bay, Tucker has appeared in 813 games and totaled 197 goals and 239 assists along with 1,296 penalty minutes.

The move is yet another in interim general manager Cliff Fletcher's efforts to reshape what is perceived as being an underachieving club. On Tuesday, Toronto placed forward Kyle Wellwood and goaltender Andrew Raycroft on waivers. Wellwood was claimed by the Canucks earlier Wednesday.