The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have placed veteran defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic on waivers for the purpose of buying out the remainder of his contract. This marks the end of a long and storied career for Vlasic in San Jose, where he has played for the past 19 seasons.

Vlasic, 38, had one year remaining on his eight-year, $56 million contract. By buying out his contract, the Sharks will create some much-needed cap space as they continue their rebuild.

General Manager Mike Grier acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in a statement released by the team. "This was a difficult decision to make today, with how much Marc has meant to the San Jose organization for 19 years," Grier said. "I was fortunate enough to be here with Marc for his first season with the Sharks, and knew he would become a great defenseman."

Grier also highlighted Vlasic's contributions to the team over the years. "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," Grier added. "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. He will go down not only as one of the best defensemen in franchise history, but one of the best players."

Vlasic was drafted by the Sharks in the second round (35th overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft and made his debut in the 2006-07 season. The Montreal native quickly established himself as a reliable and dependable defenseman, known for his excellent positioning, shot-blocking ability, and calm demeanor.

Throughout his career, Vlasic was a mainstay on the Sharks' blue line, playing alongside stars like Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson. He was a key contributor to the team's success, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2016.

Vlasic has played 1,323 games for the Sharks, recording 84 goals and 379 points. He holds the franchise record for defensive point shares and ranks second in games played. He also represented Canada in multiple international tournaments, winning gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.

While Vlasic's role diminished in recent seasons, he remained a respected leader in the locker room and a valuable mentor to the team's younger players. In the 2024-25 season, Vlasic suited up for just 27 games as he dealt with a recurring injury.

The decision to buy out Vlasic's contract signals a changing of the guard in San Jose as the team continues to rebuild its roster. The Sharks have already made several moves to acquire young talent, and the cap space created by Vlasic's buyout will give them even more flexibility to pursue their rebuilding efforts.

The Sharks' decision to part ways with Vlasic marks the end of an era in San Jose. Vlasic will be remembered as one of the most dependable and respected players in franchise history.