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With the NHLs free agent signing period a day away, a few NHL teams are getting set by dumping contracts. Calgary Flames defenceman Shane OBrien, Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Tim Gleason and New Jersey Devils blueliner Anton Volchenkov were all placed on waivers at Noon et on Monday for the purpose of buyouts. By letting OBrien go, the Flames save $2 million off their salary cap. OBrien had one year left left on his contract and was owed $2.2 million in actual salary. OBrien, who signed a three-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche in 2012, was picked up off waivers by the Flames in January. Gleason, who has $4 million left in each of the next two seasons will be a non-compliance buyout that will affect the Leafs salary cap over the next four seasons. Toronto sent John-Michael Liles and the rights to prospect Dennis Robertson to the Carolina Hurricanes for Gleason on January 1. The move came one day after the club signed captain Dion Phaneuf to a seven-year extension. The Devils will clear $4.25 million in cap space each of the next two seasons by using their second and final compliance buyout on Volchenkov. Julio Jones Jersey . Although Olivetti, a qualifier, had 13 aces, he failed to force a single break-point chance on Gasquets serve and lost his own three times. Gasquet next plays third-seeded Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, who won had 18 aces in a 6-2, 6-4 win against seventh-seeded Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France. Takkarist McKinley Falcons Jersey . "Yes, Id like to get them in," Detroits rookie manager said. "Mother Natures going to have a say in that." Sure enough, the Tigers had their game against the Kansas City Royals postponed because of rain on Thursday. http://www.falconsrookiestore.com/ . LOUIS -- Russell Martin wanted a better fate for his starting pitcher and helped deliver a happier ending. Tony Gonzalez Jersey . -- Josh Smith made a 3-pointer as time expired and finished with 20 points to lift the Detroit Pistons to a 99-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in both teams exhibition finale. Qadree Ollison Youth Jersey . Louis Blues and back into top spot of the TSN.ca NHL Power Rankings. The Sharks had been ranked No. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jason Babin took a significant pay cut to stay in Jacksonville. But even at a reduced rate, the Jaguars couldnt envision him making the roster this fall. So the team released the veteran defensive end Thursday, parting ways with the 34-year-old pass-rusher for the second time in three months. "We feel that he still has some good games in him and some really good play in him," coach Gus Bradley said. "We were just juggling to try to find a way to get it done within our system. We felt like it was best to give him the opportunity to get out there and hook on with another team. I dont know if there ever is a right time or how to do it. We try to do the best we can, but when were dealing with a man like Jason Babin, that is tough on both sides." After signing former Seattle standout Chris Clemons in free agency and with the development of young pass-rushers Andre Branch, Ryan Davis and rookie Chris Smith, there was little room for the aging Babin on a rebuilding roster. "Thats just how the NFL works," said defensive tackle SenDerrick Marks, who also played with Babin in Tennessee. "You get used to a guy, you get comfortable, and you know that guy can still play. We know that Babs can still play. We saw him here in minicamp. But it also shows that weve got guys like Chris and Branch thats coming along and can also do that job. Its a younger league and thats what a lot of teams look for." Babin led the team with 7 1/2 sacks last season. He voided the final two years of his contract in March, hitting the free-agent market before the Jaguars cut him. He had been due to make $6 million in 2014. Jacksonvillee re-signed him for considerably less.dddddddddddd But after watching the younger defensive ends during organized team activities and a three-day minicamp that ended Thursday -- and crunching the roster numbers -- the Jaguars felt it was best to part ways with Babin now. "It was shocking," said Davis, a second-year pro. "Jason was a key piece of this team, definitely helped this team in leadership. We were such a young team and he helped in the development of myself. I havent had a chance to talk with him yet, but obviously Jasons career speaks for itself. High production guy, and Im pretty sure hell land in a great predicament for himself and his family, so I wish him the best." The Jaguars claimed Babin off waivers from Philadelphia in November 2012, bringing in the two-time Pro Bowler in hopes of beefing up one of the leagues worst pass rushes. Babin finished with seven sacks in 2012, a year after totalling 18 in his first year with the Eagles. He signed a five-year, $28 million deal with Philly after going to his first Pro Bowl with Tennessee following the 2010 season. Although Babin showed burst at times in Jacksonville, he wasnt the consistent sack threat he once was. He also dealt with knee and groin injuries last year. "At the end of the day, its a business," Branch said. "This is the NFL. Were wishing him nothing but the best and support him in everything he does, but weve got to keep going. Weve got a long season ahead of us and weve got training camp coming, so weve just got to keep pushing. "Ive seen guys come and go. Its still the NFL. You never can be surprised with anything. Its a business, but weve got to keep going." ' ' '