Uniondale, NY (Best E Casino) - The New York Islanders placed forward Shawn Bates on waivers Friday with the intention of buying out the remaining season on his contract.

A member of the Islanders since the 2001-02 season, Bates scored 58 goals with 112 assists in 320 games for New York.

"We felt this move is the most beneficial for both the team and for Shawn going forward into next season," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "Shawn scored some memorable goals for the organization and was a great teammate. Although we are going in separate directions, we want to thank him for his contributions as an Islander."

The 33-year-old Bates struggled with a sports hernia as well as a hip injury last season and played in only two games.