National Hockey League

Omark headed to Europe after released by Sabres

Published Feb. 18, 2014 1:02 p.m. ET

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) The Buffalo Sabres released forward Linus Omark by terminating his contract, in a move that frees the Swedish-born player to pursue his career in Europe.

The Sabres announced the move once Omark went unclaimed Tuesday, a day after being placed on unconditional waivers. The team's decision to cut ties with Omark came a little more than a week after the player declined to report to Buffalo's AHL affiliate in Rochester.

Omark's agent, Kevin Epp, said in an email to The Associated Press that his client is traveling to Europe, though it's not yet clear where he will be playing.

Omark's stay in Buffalo was a short one. The Sabres gave up a conditional sixth-round draft pick to acquire Omark in a trade with Edmonton on Dec. 19.

The change in scenery didn't help further the 2007 fourth-round draft pick's career. Omark had difficulty earning regular ice time with the last-place Sabres, and finished with two assists in 13 games.

Overall, he has eight goals and 32 points in 79 career NHL games.

The Sabres placed Omark on waivers on Feb. 7 with the intention of demoting him to Rochester. Buffalo made the move believing the player would get a further chance to develop during the NHL's two-week Olympic break.

Omark, however, balked at reporting to the minors after spending the past two-plus seasons splitting time between the Oilers and their AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City.

The Sabres (15-34-8) are off until hosting the Carolina Hurricanes (26-22-9) on Feb. 25.

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