Today is the worst day for all of the NHL players who disappointed their teams this past season with poor performances. Similar to Larry Murphy with the Toronto Maple Leafs 13 years ago, players both performing poorly and are over the hill, can be bought out by their current clubs.

The buyout policy is one enforced as a last resort for clubs strapped for cash. Sometimes the players being bought out have not necessarily been bad, they just do not get played often and the salary they are making appears undeserved. For fans betting on which players will be moved, one can look no further then to these five NHL clubs who will surely be making some fans betting on them quite rich as a result of the buyout policy.

1. Chicago Blackhawks - Although winning the Stanley Cup, through the designs of former architect Dale Tallon, the club is severely strapped for cash. As a result, look for players such as backup goalie Cristobal Huet, defenseman Brent Sopel and perhaps a forward such as Kris Versteeg to be bought out of their contracts if the Hawks cannot trade them. By buying all three out, the Hawks could use the money for fixing holes.

2. Montreal Canadiens - The one team that will almost certainly provide a safe bet for using the buyout policy. Three players, who appear to be headed out the door after being bought out, are former enforcer George Laraque and the Kostitsyn brothers. Laraque has not played a game of hockey since early January, as then Hab's general manager Bob Gainey felt it was a waste of money to pay a guy to play 30 seconds a game.

3. Edmonton Oilers- After finishing 30^th and gaining the number one overall pick in the 2010 draft, this is another safe bet for using the buyout option, after such a disappointing finish. Although drafting overall is a great honour, it is one many teams would much rather avoid. Look for the Oilers to buy out Captain Ethan Moreau, a fourth liner who is being paid a whopping $2.5 million. Also look for forwards Fernando Pisani and Shaun Horcoff to be bought out as well after disappointing seasons.

4. Ottawa Senators- Although the Sens made the playoffs this year, the team was still a disappointment. Running into financial trouble, the team will probably look to unload a few bad contracts. Two that stick out like a cold sore are one time 50 goal man Jonathan Cheechoo, who wishes it was still 2005 and he was playing with Joe Thornton, and goalie Pascal Leclaire. Leclaire was supposed to be the first goalie the team had since Dominik Hasek a few years ago, that was competent enough to guide the team back to the Stanley Cup. Instead Leclaire appeared average at best, and many Senators fans will be happy to see him go.

5. Philadelphia Flyers - This year's Stanley Cup runner up is in a similar boat as the Blackhawks, as they too are right up against the cap. After giving out no trade clauses to various players, the team will look to buy out players such as Scott Hartnell, Riley Cote, and perhaps Daniel Briere. By doing so the team can invest the money they saved into the one position that has been their Achilles heel for years, goaltending.