Former San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic made his first public comments since he was placed on waivers for a buyout on June 26th.
The longtime Sharks defenseman was the last remaining player from the 2016 Stanley Cup Final team. The 2005 second-round pick holds the NHL’s record for most blocked shots ever (2,184). He played his entire career with the Sharks, appearing in 1,323 regular-season games.
Vlasic spoke at the Sun Life Pro Am at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.
“I had a good end-of-season interview. They told me that I played well, especially defensively, and that they liked that I was a mentor to the young guys,” Vlasic said. “They told me they wanted me to do that next year, so when I left, I thought I’d come back.”
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Unfortunately for Vlasic, that didn’t come true.
Les Sharks de San Jose ont laissé croire à Marc-Édouard Vlasic qu’il serait de retour l’an prochain, avant de le racheter au début de l’été 😬 pic.twitter.com/Fyef7tSTRV— RDS (@RDSca) August 15, 2025
A veteran of 19 seasons had one year left of an eight-year $56 million contract ($7 million AAV). The San Jose Sharks veteran’s game had slowed down tremendously. The young Sharks roster will need a veteran to help them develop, but Vlasic isn’t in the Sharks’ plans.
“I still have a residence in San Jose,” Vlasic said. “It might have been honest of them to tell me at the end of the season that it could happen, instead of waiting until June 30.”
The former San Jose Sharks defenseman doesn’t appear to be overly frustrated with the results, just how it went down. He didn’t hold back about the thought of enduring another season with potential struggles.
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“To be honest, I’m happy,” Vlasic said. “I wasn’t interested in going back there for another season. It didn’t surprise me that much, and it doesn’t bother me that much.”
The San Jose Sharks need to make space for their young core. Specifically for defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Sam Dickinson. The trade of Henry Thrun also signals that Sharks GM Mike Grier is altering the defense.
When it comes to retirement, Vlasic says he’s not ready yet and wants to continue playing. The former Sharks d-man is open to playing in Europe, but wants an NHL job to prove to the Sharks he’s still got gas in the tank.
“My agent is on the case,” Vlasic said. “It doesn’t bother me whether it’s Vancouver, Buffalo, Florida, Tampa… I’ll go wherever someone wants me. “I’m very motivated to train, find a new team… and put it in the Sharks’ teeth.”
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