BUFFALO, N.Y. - If no team claims Matt Moulson off of waivers, he will become one of the highest-paid AHL players in history.

Three years into a five-year, $25 million contract, Moulson has played in 14 games while missing 13 as a healthy scratch. He has yet to record a point this season.

Moulson will be contractually obligated to report to Rochester if he clears waivers; the team could also offer a buyout.

Moulson has been a good presence in the locker room -- teammates were sad but not surprised by the move.

"It's never fun to see someone go," said Jason Pominville. "With how hard he's worked, it's disappointing. With the way we've been going, you knew things were gonna happen."

"He's been there for me since the day I was drafted," said Jack Eichel, who shared an apartment with Moulson during his rookie year. "I've obviously become very close with Matt. His wife and two kids have basically been like family to me."

Moulson's roster spot was filled quickly -- the Sabres traded a 2019 5th-round pick to Detroit for Scott Wilson. Wilson doesn't have a point in 20 games this year, but played for Pittsburgh's Stanley Cup-winning team last year.