Riley Sheahan's dispute with the Buffalo Sabres comes to a head.

The Buffalo Sabres and veteran forward Riley Sheahan have not been able to agree on an assignment to the American Hockey League, and it would appear as though things have finally come to a head.

On Sunday, the Sabres officially announced that they would be placing Sheahan on unconditional waivers and it would appear as though the motivations behind that move are to terminate Sheahan's contract with the team. Sheahan signed a one year deal with the Sabres back in August of this year, one that carries an average annual value and salary cap hit of $950,000.

If the 30 year old former first round pick (21st overall) of the Detroit Red Wings manages to clear the waiver process and if his contract is in fact terminated by the Sabres, Sheahan would become an unrestricted free agent. This could happen as early as Monday, and Sheahan would then be free to sign with any team in the National Hockey League or elsewhere.

Given that Sheahan reportedly refused to go back to the American Hockey League, it would appear as though he feels he will be better utilized elsewhere. Whether he will be proven right or not though remains to be seen, but I expect he will sign a new deal relatively quickly if there is interest out there.

In spite of signing with the Sabres back in August, Sheahan would only play 2 games for the Sabres this season. He recorded no points, picked up 4 penalty minutes, and was a -2 over those 2 games. He also made 6 appearances for the Sabres AHL affiliate team, the Rochester Americans, picking up 3 points and finishing that stretch of play with a plus minus rating of +3.