The Toronto Maple Leafs have waived high-priced defenseman Jeff Finger.

Coach Ron Wilson said Tuesday the team intends to assign the Houghton native to their minor league affiliate if he goes unclaimed.

Finger is earning $3.5 million in the third year of a $14 million, four-year contract he signed in 2008.

While the Leafs will gain cap space with his departure, Wilson says the move was made because other players are getting more ice time.

The 30-year-old Finger didn't appear in either of the opening two games after injuring a knee during training camp.

If Finger goes unclaimed on waivers by Wednesday, he'll join the likes of Wade Redden, Michael Nylander and Sheldon Souray, players with big contracts in the AHL.

Finger played his college hockey at Saint Cloud State.