Sharks Lose Iorio to Rangers

Promising young defenseman claimed off waivers by struggling New York team

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Jose Sharks have lost defenseman Vincent Iorio, a 23-year-old mobile right-handed blueliner, to the New York Rangers after waiving him on Friday. Iorio, a 2021 second-round pick, had 3 assists in 21 games for the Sharks this season, playing 16:30 per night. The Sharks had previously claimed Iorio off waivers from the Washington Capitals in October.

Why it matters

The Sharks are deep enough on defense that they are losing promising young players to other teams on waivers, while the Rangers, one of the worst teams in the NHL, were able to claim Iorio and give him a chance to establish himself as a full-time NHL player.

The details

Iorio is a 6-foot-4 defenseman known for his mobility and transition passing ability, but is still learning the defensive side of the game at the NHL level. In 21 games for the Sharks this season, he had 3 assists while averaging 16:30 of ice time per night. The Sharks had previously claimed Iorio off waivers from the Washington Capitals in October.

  • On Friday, the Sharks waived defenseman Vincent Iorio.
  • On Saturday, the New York Rangers claimed Iorio off waivers.

The players

Vincent Iorio

A 23-year-old mobile right-handed defenseman who was a 2021 second-round pick of the Washington Capitals.

New York Rangers

An NHL team that is currently one of the worst in the league, but was able to claim Iorio off waivers and give him a chance to establish himself as a full-time NHL player.

San Jose Sharks

An NHL team that was deep enough on defense that they were willing to waive the promising young defenseman Iorio.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Iorio will now get a chance to play more minutes and establish himself as an NHL regular with the struggling Rangers.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Sharks' defensive depth, as they were able to afford losing a promising young blueliner, while also providing an opportunity for Iorio to potentially earn a bigger role with the rebuilding Rangers.