Islanders place G Rick DiPietro on waivers; veteran likely headed to AHL if he clears

New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro sits in the crease as Ottawa Senators center David Dziurzynski (59) celebrates his goal with teammates Zack Smith, right, and Marc Methot during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Ottawa, Ontario, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld) (The Associated Press)

Ottawa Senators right wing Chris Neil tries to tip the puck past New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Ottawa, Ontario, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld) (The Associated Press)

Oft-injured goalie Rick DiPietro has been placed on waivers by the New York Islanders and will likely be headed to the minors once he clears, as expected.

The Islanders announced the move Friday, one day after they defeated the Canadiens in Montreal. New York will next play at the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday before returning home to face Carolina on Sunday.

The 31-year-old DiPietro has played in only three games this season while serving as the backup to Evgeni Nabokov. He is 0-3 with a 4.09 goals-against average in his appearances.

The Islanders acquired suspended goalie Tim Thomas from Boston earlier this season, but it is unclear if he will ever play for New York, as he has elected to sit out this season.