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Sharks Place Veteran Defenseman Nick Leddy on Waivers

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The San Jose Sharks placed veteran defenseman Nick Leddy on waivers on January 18, 2026.
Leddy, 34, has appeared in 19 games with four assists this season and is in the final year of a four-year, $16 million contract.
His absence from practice raised concerns, and he has been a healthy scratch frequently.
If he clears waivers, he may be assigned to the AHL's San Jose Barracuda.

History

Historical Context

The NHL expanded to 31 teams in 2017 with the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights, marking its first expansion since 2000. This shift allowed teams to protect key players during the expansion draft, significantly impacting player contracts and movements. The Golden Knights' immediate success, including a Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2018, reshaped the league's competitive dynamics and roster management strategies.

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Story summary

The San Jose Sharks placed veteran defenseman Nick Leddy on waivers on January 18, 2026.
Leddy, 34, has appeared in 19 games with four assists this season and is in the final year of a four-year, $16 million contract.
His absence from practice raised concerns, and he has been a healthy scratch frequently.
If he clears waivers, he may be assigned to the AHL's San Jose Barracuda.

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