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1300-Game NHL Veteran Listed as Top Possibility to be Bought Out This Offseason

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 3:08 PM ET

Marc-Edouard Vlasic has been with the San Jose Sharks since 2006, but now, a top source has noted him as one of many buy-out candidates for the off-season.

The San Jose Sharks have been in a rebuilding phase for the past few years, and with first-round picks like Will Smith, Quentin Musty and Macklin Celebrini leading the way, it's easy to see why there's so much optimism in the organization.

Along with the No. 2 overall draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Sharks are loaded with top talent for the future, and while a rebuilding team always needs veterans to lead the way, the Sharks need to make some tough decisions moving forward.

Now, one of those decisions has been identified, with Daily Faceoff listing 38-year old veteran Marc-Edouard Vlasic as one of seven buy-out candidates this off-season.

The veteran defenseman played in his 1300th game with the Sharks this past season, but given that he's got one year remaining with a $7 million cap hit, it could make sense for the Sharks to clear salary cap space to add some big names or take on some bad contracts this summer.

However, at 38-years of age with very little production last season (1 goal, 3 points in 27 games played), it may simply just be time for the Sharks to move on from him, with the likes of Tyler Toffoli and Barclay Goodrow the veteran leaders on this team now.

Vlasic was originally drafted by these Sharks back in 2005 in the second round, and he's been there with this team through all the ups and downs, tallying 84 goals and 379 points across 1,323 games played, as well as becoming the NHL's all-time leader in blocks, making him one of the most respected players in the NHL.

If the Sharks were to buy him out, the $7 million he's owed next year would become a $4.3 million and a $1.17 million salary cap hit over the next few years, and while they don't need to make this move, perhaps it's best as they look to move towards the future.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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