The Ottawa Senators parted ways with former goal-scoring champion Jonathan Cheechoo by buying out his contract Tuesday.

The 29-year-old winger was due $3.5 million US this season in the final year of his deal but was placed on waivers Monday. No one claimed him, allowing the Senators to buy him out.

Cheechoo recorded just five goals with nine assists in 61 games for Ottawa last season, and added eight goals and six assists in 25 games for the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Binghamton.

The 29-year-old from Moose Factory, Ont., was acquired with Milan Michalek in the trade that sent disgruntled winger Dany Heatley to the San Jose Sharks last September.

"Jonathan is a quality person and hockey player," Senators general manager Bryan Murray said in a release. "We hoped that things would have worked out with the Senators. In the best interest of us both, we have decided to move on. We wish him all the best."

Cheechoo led the NHL with 56 goals in 2005-06 but his production has declined steadily since.