Flames buy out Michael Stone

The Calgary Flames bought out defenseman Michael Stone, the team announced Friday.

He was placed on unconditional waivers Thursday but cleared.

Stone, 29, signed a three-year, $10.5-million contract with the Flames in 2017. His buyout counts for $1.16 million against the salary cap for the next two seasons but saves Calgary $2.3 million for the 2019-20 campaign, according to Cap Friendly.

The Flames have roughly $7 million in available cap space to sign restricted free agents Matthew Tkachuk and Andrew Mangiapane, and they can free up more money as the season nears by sending players to the minors.

Stone was limited to only 14 games last season, during which he posted five assists.