San Jose Sharks Recall Veteran Defenseman Nick Leddy

Leddy joins the team as a depth option with prospects Cagnoni and Allan staying in the AHL

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The San Jose Sharks have recalled veteran defenseman Nick Leddy to serve as the team's seventh defenseman, passing over prospects Luca Cagnoni and Nolan Allan. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky explained that the team wants the younger players to continue developing in the AHL rather than rotating in and out of the NHL lineup. Leddy, a Stanley Cup winner with over 1,000 NHL games, will provide experienced depth on the blue line.

Why it matters

The Sharks have a surplus of NHL-ready forwards, leading to a rotation of healthy scratches. While the team could have cleared that logjam by recalling a prospect like Igor Chernyshov, Warsofsky believes it's better for Chernyshov's development to be a go-to player in the AHL rather than in and out of the NHL lineup. Bringing in the veteran Leddy instead of the prospects shows the Sharks' focus on winning now while also developing their young talent.

The details

With the Sharks dealing with a glut of NHL-caliber forwards, two players will have to sit each night. Recently, that has meant healthy scratches for Pavol Regenda, Ryan Reaves, Philipp Kurashev, and Adam Gaudette. The team could soon add another forward, as center Ty Dellandrea is inching closer to a return from a lower-body injury. However, the Sharks opted to recall the experienced Leddy rather than prospects Luca Cagnoni or Nolan Allan, with Warsofsky explaining they want those young defensemen to continue developing in the AHL.

  • The San Jose Sharks recalled Nick Leddy on March 10, 2026.

The players

Nick Leddy

A veteran defenseman with over 1,000 NHL games and a Stanley Cup championship on his resume, Leddy was recalled by the San Jose Sharks to provide depth on the blue line.

Luca Cagnoni

A Sharks prospect defenseman who the team decided to keep in the AHL to continue his development rather than rotating in and out of the NHL lineup.

Nolan Allan

Another Sharks prospect defenseman who the team opted to leave in the AHL instead of recalling to the NHL.

Igor Chernyshov

A Sharks prospect forward who the team believes is better served being a go-to player in the AHL rather than rotating in and out of the NHL lineup.

Ty Dellandrea

A Sharks forward who is inching closer to a return from a lower-body injury suffered on January 6th.

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What they’re saying

“I just want those guys to continue to play.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks Head Coach (sanjosehockeynow.com)

“He's been a really good pro for us, really good in the room to help our young guys. He's been around, seen a lot of different hockey, and he's earned to be in that room, really.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks Head Coach (sanjosehockeynow.com)

What’s next

The Sharks will continue to manage their forward depth, with Dellandrea potentially joining the team on their upcoming road trip if he is cleared to return from injury.

The takeaway

The Sharks' decision to recall the veteran Leddy over prospect defensemen shows their focus on winning now while also prioritizing the long-term development of their young talent. This balanced approach aims to keep the Sharks competitive this season while ensuring their top prospects are given the right opportunities to thrive.