San Jose Sharks Buying Out Nikolai Knyzhov

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov on unconditional waivers for the purposes of a buyout. 

Knyzhov, 26, was entering the final season of his deal while carrying a $1.25 million cap hit. However, the Sharks have decided to move on from his deal. With this buyout, the Sharks will save $933,333 of cap space for the 2024-25 season and have a $466,667 cap charge for the 2025-26 campaign. 

Knyzhov played in just 10 games for the Sharks this season, where he posted zero goals, one assists, 13 hits, and a minus-6 rating. The 6-foot-3 defender spent the majority of the campaign down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the San Jose Barracuda. In 40 games played for the Barracuda on the year, he had three goals to go along with 11 points, 24 penalty minutes, and a plus-8 rating. 

Overall, Knyzhov has been more of a depth defenseman for the Sharks over the last two seasons, so it makes sense that they were willing to move on from him. Unfortunately, injuries have certainly hurt his development over the years. 

Once Knyzhov clears waivers, he will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. There could be some clubs willing to take a shot on him on a cheap one-year deal, but we will need to wait and see what happens on that front.

photo credit: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports