San Jose Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers

The San Jose Sharks have claimed veteran defenseman Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, bolstering their blue line after a last-place finish last season. Leddy, 34, has one year left on his four-year, $16 million contract with a $4 million cap hit, and is coming off an injury-shortened season with 31 games played and five points. The Blues placed Leddy on waivers following their acquisition of Logan Mailloux from Montreal, which created a surplus of defensemen and left Leddy as the odd man out. The waiver move was not related to a buyout, as that window had closed, and prior trade options were unsuccessful. Leddy brings over 1,000 NHL games of experience and a Stanley Cup championship with Chicago to the Sharks. Had he gone unclaimed, he could have been assigned to the AHL or negotiated a contract termination.