"The Wild and defenseman Cam Barker appear to be parting company.

Barker, who was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Kim Johnsson and the rights to 2009 first-round draft pick Nick Leddy, was placed on waivers Wednesday.

Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher refused to speculate on what might happen regarding Barker, but it has become clear his future is not in Minnesota.

If no team claims Barker on waivers, he would have to clear waivers a second time, and then his contract could be bought out by Thursday for one-third of his scheduled 2011-12 salary of $3.25 million, making him a free agent.

Fletcher has said repeatedly that even though Leddy appears to be a rising star for the Blackhawks, it's too early to judge the trade of Feb. 12, 2010.

However, Barker, 25, a former first-round draft pick who produced 40 points for Chicago three seasons ago, had just one goal and four assists for five points in 52 games for Minnesota last season. He had one goal and six assists in 19 games with the Wild in 2009-10.

Barker was sidelined by a back injury for all but one game during the final six weeks of the season.

Fletcher, confessing he has become impatient with the lack of success by the Wild in his two seasons as GM, has moved boldly to change the team's complexion since the season ended. "