Sharks make a risky waiver move as blue line pressure mounts

Jan 30, 2026 (2:15 PM)

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Vincent Iorio hit NHL waivers for the San Jose Sharks on Friday, and it screams roster squeeze, not development.

This is the kind of move that makes you stare at the blue line and wonder who is actually safe.

Iorio is 22, a 2021 second-round pick, 55th overall, drafted by the Washington Capitals.

San Jose grabbed him off waivers back in October, betting on size and a calmer first pass.

Since then, he has looked like a useful third-pair option who just needs reps.

The problem is the Sharks are trying to win games right now, not just stash projects.

They are 27-21-4, and Thursday’s 4-3 overtime loss in Edmonton showed how thin the margins are.

Here’s the post that kicked this off.

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Sharks fans are tired of "patience" speeches, they want clean exits and fewer panic shifts.

If the club’s goal is an AHL assignment, waivers are the toll you pay when a player is no longer exempt.

If the goal is a reset, it’s still a risky one, because a right-shot defender with NHL games can get claimed fast.

Iorio has 30 career NHL games and a 0-4-4 line including his earlier Washington stint.

That’s not a résumé, but it’s enough for a rebuilding team to take a look.

For San Jose, this feels like a bet that the league won’t bite.

If he clears, the Barracuda get a legit piece, and the Sharks buy breathing room for the next matchup.

Previously on HockeyLatest

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JANVIER 30\|115 ANSWERS Sharks make a risky waiver move as blue line pressure mounts Do the San Jose Sharks risk losing Vincent Iorio on waivers?
Yes	95	82.6 %
No	20	17.4 %
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