On February 22, 2013, the Islanders placed goalie Rick DiPietro on waivers. In the short term, DiPietro was to be assigned to Bridgeport of the AHL, but the move was the team's first step in cutting ties with a former first overall pick who they signed to an eye-popping 15-year contract. The Islanders finally reached a buyout with DiPietro in July of that year.
Three years later, DiPietro has successfully transitioned to broadcasting, forming a radio show with former Newsday beat writer Alan Hahn and doing some intermission reports for Islanders games.