Quoting: Devil1122
Similar to what happen with Kovalsuck?
No, Kovy was early "retirement", so it was a recapture penalty. Those were for avoiding longer deals that spread salary over more years than a player would play to reduce cap hit. (ie, player plans on playing 4 more years, but signs 8-year front-loaded deal to spread cap hit). But have since been altered.
Compliance buy-outs are given when there is a change in collective bargaining agreement...(like starting salary cap) that could ding some teams more than others. Like Vincent Lecavalier, who TB used a CBO on in 2013, after year 4 of an 11-year contract. His buyout period is through 2026-27, but annual charge doesn't count against Lightning cap.
If a CBO is agreed to by NHL/NHLPA, it would probably be given if the salary cap goes down (ie, down to $75 million). But both players and most owners don't really want a CBO, so they would likely make it very painful to use (ie, if you buyout X amount, it costs this pick, if you buyout Y amount, if costs that pick). It could also potentially be a tradeable asset, though that is unclear.