The San Jose Sharks have placed veteran defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic on waivers for the purpose of buyout. In a news release this morning, General Manager Mike Grier announced that the team would buyout the final year of Vlasic’s contract.
“This was a difficult decision to make today, with how much Marc has meant to the San Jose organization for 19 years,” said Grier. “I was fortunate enough to be here with Marc for his first season with the Sharks, and knew he would become a great defenseman. Over the course of his career in the NHL, Vlasic was one of the premier shutdown defensemen, earning tough defensive assignments on the ice against the best players in the world and doing it with effectiveness.
“With over 1,300 games in the NHL, he brought immense expertise and experience to the organization daily, and was selected to represent his country on multiple occasions at the highest level,” continued Grier. “He will go down not only as one of the best defensemen in franchise history, but one of the best players. We want to thank him for his dedication and commitment to the organization, and wish him all the best.”
What does the buyout look like for the Sharks?
Vlasic was supposed to be paid $7 million this season, the final season of his contract. Due to the buyout, the amount will be slightly lower, but it will now be distributed over two seasons. That’s not really an issue for the Sharks, who have nothing but cap space at this point in the rebuild.
The cap hit will be $4,666,667 this season and $1,166,667 next season.
The upside for the Sharks is that the team doesn’t have to worry about how Vlasic fits into the lineup on the defensive end. With Mario Ferraro, Shakir Mukhamadullin and Henry Thrun all signed for next season and Grier fairly certain that Sam Dickinson will at least have a shot at making the Sharks out of training camp, that’s four defensemen on the left side. Half of the defense is set and looking pretty darn good. Buying out Vlasic clears out a log jam.
Potential upside for Vlasic
On the flip side, this also gives Vlasic an opportunity for one more shot at winning it all. Let’s be honest, there was no way that the Sharks were going to be able to trade the 38-year-old’s $7 million contract. No team was going to take that on for a 5/6/7 defenseman. Even if the Sharks were willing to retain half of that contract, the Sharks weren’t going to find any takers.
However, with this buyout, Vlasic is now free to sign for the league minimum with any team in the league.
As we outlined in his player review, Vlasic isn’t going to be used in every situation as he was in his prime, but he might be serviceable as a bottom-pairing player, especially on a league-minimum deal.
Vlasic’s mark on the Sharks
Vlasic was selected 35th overall by the Sharks in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and came out of nowhere to make the team in the 2006-07. He played 81 games in his first season at the age of 19 and was named to the NHL All-Rookie team along with teammate Matt Carle.
Vlasic played 1,323 games for the Sharks, second only to Patrick Marleau. He is the NHL’s all-time blocked shots leader, something he achieved earlier this season.
Marc-Édouard Vlasic's time with the San Jose Sharks has come to an end. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/MeoYwlhfet
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 26, 2025
He was, in his prime, one of the best shutdown defensemen in the game and incredibly impactful in all situations. He helped Team Canada win a gold medal in the 2014 Olympic Games.
Thank you, Pickles, for everything you did for the Sharks!
