The San Jose Sharks are making a bold move that could have significant implications for their defensive lineup. Veteran defenseman Nick Leddy has been placed on waivers, a decision that may seem surprising given his extensive NHL experience. But in the world of professional sports, tough choices are often made to adapt to changing circumstances.
The move, first reported by Sheng Peng, opens up a potential path for Leddy to join the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate. However, this reassignment is not set in stone and depends on whether Leddy clears waivers.
And here's where it gets intriguing... The timing of this decision coincides with the potential return of another defenseman, Shakir Mukhamadullin, who is recovering from an injury. Mukhamadullin's imminent activation means the Sharks need to make room on their roster, and waiving Leddy seems to be a strategic move in this regard.
If Leddy clears waivers, he can seamlessly transition to the Barracuda, creating the necessary space for Mukhamadullin's return. Even if Leddy is claimed by another team, the Sharks still achieve their goal of opening up a roster spot.
For Leddy, this development is a challenging turn of events. With over 1,000 NHL games under his belt, he hasn't played in the AHL since 2012-13. His recent struggles in the 2025-26 season, including reduced ice time and frequent healthy scratches, have contributed to this decision.
Leddy's ice time has dropped significantly from his days as the St. Louis Blues' No. 2 defenseman, where he averaged over 22 minutes per game and was a top penalty-killer. His current performance in San Jose doesn't reflect his former glory, yet his compensation remains substantial, creating a potential financial burden for any team considering claiming him.
Controversially, Leddy's fate now hangs in the balance. While some teams might see potential in his experience, his cap hit may deter others from taking a chance. The Sharks, with limited options to retain salary, might explore a trade, but finding a team willing to absorb his full salary could be a challenge.
Leddy could also opt for a mutual contract termination, as seen with players like Egor Zamula and Alexandre Texier, who successfully secured NHL roles elsewhere. This path could offer Leddy a fresh start, but it would require him to sacrifice a portion of his salary.
The future is uncertain for Leddy. A team might take a chance on him, or he may embrace a temporary AHL assignment. The Sharks' decision has set the stage for an intriguing storyline, especially for teams seeking defensive reinforcements, like the Buffalo Sabres.
Stay tuned as this waiver situation unfolds, and feel free to share your thoughts on this strategic move by the Sharks. Do you think Leddy will find a new NHL home, or is his future in the AHL? Share your predictions in the comments below!
