The Ducks have had a logjam in their defense corps and they took the first steps toward clearing it by putting defenseman Clayton Stoner on waivers Thursday.

In addition to the move made on the seven-year veteran, the Ducks also sent young defenders Shea Theodore and Brandon Montour back to the San Diego Gulls, their American Hockey League affiliate. But they’re keeping 19-year-old Jacob Larsson for now.

Stoner, 31, is making $3.25 million for this season and next. With the team already stacked on the blue line, the Ducks could be making this move to free up a possible roster spot and gain some added salary cap space if a team claims him by Friday.

The cap savings would be only $950,000 and not the full $3.25 million, as that has now changed with the most recent collective bargaining agreement. Previously, well-heeled teams could gain substantial cap relief by burying a contract in the minor leagues.

If he goes unclaimed, the Ducks could still hold onto Stoner or have the option of assigning him to San Diego. But they would have to pay his full NHL salary, something that is not appetizing to management or ownership.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray signed Stoner to a four-year, $13 million free agent contract in the summer of 2014. The signing was instantly seen as an overpayment for a defender who hadn’t been in the top two defense pairings over five seasons with Minnesota.

But while Murray values Stoner’s physical play, the Port McNeill, B.C., native has been slowed at times by hip issues and other injuries. He played in only 50 regular-season games last season and dressed just once in the seven-game playoff loss to Nashville.

In two seasons with the Ducks, the rugged, defensive-minded Stoner has two goals, 12 assists and 135 penalty minutes over 119 games. The Ducks have Theodore, Montour and Larsson all on far cheaper entry-level contracts. Larsson has earned the right to stay with a strong camp.

Cap space is coveted by the Ducks these days. The Ducks had about $7.5 million available under the ceiling, but getting defenseman Hampus Lindholm and forward Rickard Rakell under contract figures to eat up that space.

They’ve also got at least two forward openings to fill on the 23-man roster and need to have money available to add those who win the jobs. Mason Raymond, who’s on a two-way contract, appears to be on the inside track for one as veteran Sean Bergenheim was released from his pro tryout.

The Ducks also sent centers Julius Nattinen and and winger Ondrej Kase to San Diego. Center Kyle MacKinnon, a 28-year-old AHL veteran and native of Walnut, will also join the Gulls.

Nattinen, 19, got a lengthy look in training camp and is earning a promotion from the Ontario Hockey League, where he had 22 goals and 49 assists over 52 games in his only OHL seasons with the Barrie Colts.