from Pat Pickens of Sportsnet,

Briere’s buyout of $3.33 million over four years ranks as the eighth-highest buyout in NHL history. Here is a brief look at the 20 priciest of all time.

20. Alexei Zhitnik, Atlanta Thrashers

Zhitnik, who was traded to Atlanta for Braydon Coburn– we all remember that deal– was bought out after just 83 games. The current-Jets franchise combined to pay $2.33 million over two years, and Zhitnik finished his career with Moscow Dynamos

19. Jonathan Cheechoo, Ottawa Senators

The former 50-goal scorer was traded to the Senators for Dany Heatley on Sept. 12, 2009 but only played 61 games in Ottawa before being sent down to the American Hockey League. Cheechoo was bought out for the final two years at $2.33 million and has not played an NHL game since.

read on