Anyone think that bought out contracts counting against the cap is idiocy? It only harms NHL teams and the level of competition. Yes teams have to be a lot smarter in giving out contracts, but still, if they are willing to spend the money in order to buy a player out - whats the harm? It would not be a significant adavantage to any one team, more like the ability to overcome a Pejorative Sluring factor. The bought out player would be happy to as he gets the same exact amount of money but doesn't have to play for it, and is free to seek another contract to make even more money in that time span.
Buyouts shouldn't count against the cap.