The Carolina Hurricanes have placed goaltender Arturs Irbe on waivers, the Raleigh News & Observer and NHL Network both reported Saturday.

The Hurricanes are actively trying to cut payroll. They traded Sami Kapanen to Philadelphia in a cost-cutting deal Friday. Irbe is making $2.5 million this season.

If another NHL team claimed Irbe off waivers, the Hurricanes no longer would be responsible for his salary.

Irbe still can play for Carolina while he is on waivers.

The 35-year-old goaltender had a key role in Carolina's run to the Stanley Cup final last year after being benched in the first round of the playoffs against New Jersey.

This season, however, Kevin Weekes has taken hold of the starting job.