The San Jose Sharks are making a move on their blue line, placing 23-year-old defenseman Vincent Iorio on waivers. If he clears, he’ll be eligible for assignment to the AHL-a step that could help the young blueliner rediscover his rhythm after a rocky stretch in the NHL.
Iorio, who was claimed off waivers from the Washington Capitals early in the season, has had a tough time carving out a consistent role in San Jose. After getting into 21 games-already more than double the NHL experience he had coming into the season-he’s managed just three points and carries a minus-four rating. The raw tools are there: Iorio is a two-way defenseman with solid instincts and puck-moving ability, but he hasn’t quite found his footing on a Sharks team that’s been trying to patch together a battered defensive corps.
The Sharks had one of the top waiver claim positions when they picked up Iorio, a move that signaled their interest in developing younger talent during a transitional season. But after sitting out the last six games as a healthy scratch, it’s clear Iorio needs more ice time to grow-and that opportunity may come in the AHL if he goes unclaimed.
There’s reason to believe he can thrive in a lower-pressure environment. Back in November, Iorio was sent down on a conditioning stint after recovering from an injury, and he made the most of it.
In six games, he racked up seven assists and posted a plus-seven rating, showing off the kind of playmaking and poise the Sharks were hoping to tap into at the NHL level. That stint offered a glimpse of his potential when he’s playing with confidence and rhythm.
An assignment to the minors could be a reset button-an opportunity for Iorio to get meaningful minutes, work on his game, and build some momentum. It also opens the door for the Sharks to lean more heavily on Vincent Desharnais, the 6-foot-7 bruiser who’s been in the lineup for five of the last six games while Iorio sat. Desharnais brings a different element to the blue line-physicality and grit-and has chipped in three points along with 38 penalty minutes in 25 games this season.
For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation. If Iorio clears waivers, the Sharks can send him to the AHL without restriction, giving the young defenseman a chance to reset and recalibrate. And for a San Jose team still figuring out its identity, developing players like Iorio remains a key part of the long-term picture.