Hurricanes place Brendan Lemieux on unconditional waivers

The Carolina Hurricanes placed forward Brendan Lemieux on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, the team announced Friday.

"Brendan asked to be released from his contract so he could pursue a new opportunity," Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said. "We wish him nothing but the best in the next stage of his career."

Lemieux hasn't appeared in an NHL game this season. He's recorded two goals and 30 penalty minutes in 12 appearances with the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

The 28-year-old joined the Hurricanes on a one-year deal as an unrestricted free agent during the 2023 offseason. He potted five points in 32 appearances with the club last campaign, and Carolina signed him to a one-year extension worth $775,000 in March.

Lemieux has registered 36 goals and 74 points in 307 career NHL games, split between the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Hurricanes.

The Buffalo Sabres selected him with the first pick of the second round during the 2014 NHL Draft.