Gomez, Redden placed on waivers

The Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers have placed Scott Gomez and Wade Redden on waivers, according to multiple reports.

The moves are precursors to the accelerated cap buyouts the NHL and NHLPA agreed to on Tuesday. The new agreement allows teams to use one compliance buyouts — teams were granted two under the new CBA — prior to the start of this season.

However, the player’s full salary for the 2012-13 season still would count against the team’s cap — in the case of Redden and the Rangers, that figure is $6.5 million.

For Gomez and the Canadiens, it’s $7.36 million.

The new ruling will allow for both players to seek employment for this season.

Habs GM Marc Bergevin told Gomez earlier this week he’d be sent home for the year, rather than sent down to Montreal’s AHL affiliate in Hamilton. Reason being was if Gomez sustained an injury while playing, Montreal would not be able to buy him out next summer (injured players are not buyout eligible.)

The Rangers were primed to do the same with Redden.

As for what the future holds — should Gomez and Redden clear waivers and the buyouts become finalized, both players will become available to sign with any club as early as Thursday at noon.