The San Jose Sharks have made a significant move by placing veteran defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic on unconditional waivers with the intent of buying out the final year of his contract. This decision comes as the Sharks look to reshape their roster and navigate financial constraints.
At 38 years old, Vlasic has been a cornerstone of the Sharks franchise for nearly two decades, having played all 1,465 games of his NHL career with the team since his debut in 2006. He ranks among the top defensemen in NHL history for games played with a single franchise, joined only by Hall of Famers Ray Bourque and Nicklas Lidstrom.
During his tenure, Vlasic was an integral part of the team’s success, contributing to a remarkable run where the Sharks reached the playoffs in 13 out of 14 seasons and advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. General Manager Mike Grier acknowledged the deep impact Vlasic has had on the organization, highlighting his effectiveness as a shutdown defender tasked with neutralizing top players in the league.
Vlasic also represented Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, helping the team secure a gold medal. Unfortunately, his performance was hindered by injuries last season, where he managed to participate in 27 games and tallied three points.
With the buyout of his contract, the Sharks will save $2.3 million against the salary cap for the 2025-26 season, but will incur an additional cost of $1.2 million in the following season. This move underscores a transitional period for the team as they seek to balance their roster and address financial implications moving forward.
This decision reflects both a moment of gratitude for a beloved player and a necessary step towards the future of the franchise. As fans and analysts look ahead, there remains hope that the Sharks will rebuild and find new successes in the seasons to come.