Veteran Defenseman Leddy Appreciates Return to NHL With Sharks

Waived in January, Leddy has found his game since rejoining the Sharks lineup in mid-March.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:49pm

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Nick Leddy, a 16-year NHL veteran, was waived by the San Jose Sharks in January due to his $4 million AAV contract. After going unclaimed, Leddy was unsure if he would ever play in the NHL again. However, he has since returned to the Sharks lineup and has been a stabilizing presence on the team's defense, helping calm things down and providing more predictability according to head coach Ryan Warsofsky.

Why it matters

Leddy's return to the Sharks lineup after being waived earlier in the season highlights the challenges veteran players can face in the NHL, especially when their salaries no longer match their on-ice production. His ability to bounce back and contribute positively to the team after a tough stretch shows his professionalism and commitment to the game.

The details

Leddy struggled early in the season, leading to the Sharks placing him on waivers in January. Though he went unclaimed, likely due to his $4 million AAV, Leddy has since returned to the lineup and has been playing well. In the four games since his return on March 17, Leddy has the best 5-on-5 Expected Goals For % on the Sharks defense, per Natural Stat Trick. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised Leddy's professionalism, noting that he didn't complain when he was not playing and just kept working to prepare himself to get back in the lineup.

  • Leddy was waived by the Sharks in January 2026.
  • Leddy returned to the Sharks lineup on March 17, 2026.
  • The Sharks lost 2-1 in overtime to the St. Louis Blues on March 28, 2026, with Leddy playing 19:44.

The players

Nick Leddy

A 16-year NHL veteran defenseman who was waived by the San Jose Sharks in January 2026 but has since returned to the lineup and been a stabilizing presence on the team's defense.

Ryan Warsofsky

The head coach of the San Jose Sharks, who praised Leddy's professionalism and the positive impact he has had on the team's defense since rejoining the lineup.

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What they’re saying

“It's always fun to play against friends, guys that will be lifelong friends. When you go to battle with someone in the playoffs over and over again, and you have those experiences and long seasons, you create amazing friendships.”

— Nick Leddy, Veteran Defenseman

“He's played some really good hockey when he's came in, and really helps calm our defense down back there. There's more predictability. He's a pro in every sense of the word, even when he was not playing. Didn't complain, just worked, put his head down, did what the coaches asked for him to do. Kept preparing himself to get in...He's a true pro, and we're happy to have him.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks Head Coach

What’s next

The Sharks will continue to rely on Leddy's veteran presence and stabilizing influence on the team's defense as they push for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season.

The takeaway

Leddy's resilience and professionalism in the face of being waived earlier this season serves as an inspiring example of how veteran players can overcome adversity and contribute positively to their teams, even when their on-ice production may have dipped. His experience and leadership have been valuable assets for the Sharks as they navigate the final stretch of the season.