Sharks Shake Up Roster: Two Defensemen Hit Waivers – Will Another Team Snatch Them Up?
The San Jose Sharks have made a bold move by placing defensemen Jack Thompson and Lucas Carlsson on waivers, making them available for any of the other 31 NHL teams to claim. But here’s the catch: if they go unclaimed, their path back to the NHL just got a lot more complicated.
How Waivers Work (And Why It Matters)
For those new to hockey’s waiver system, here’s the breakdown: When a player is placed on waivers, other teams get a 24-hour window to claim them. Priority is determined by the reverse order of the league standings—meaning the worst teams get first dibs. This order resets on November 1st to reflect the current season’s standings, not last year’s. It’s a way to balance competitiveness and prevent stronger teams from hoarding talent.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Some argue this system unfairly penalizes mid-tier teams that might need depth but aren’t bad enough to claim players early. Should waivers be adjusted to help competitive balance? Let us know in the comments.
Jack Thompson: A Promising Talent in Limbo
Thompson’s situation is particularly interesting. After suffering a lower-body injury in training camp, he started the season on the non-roster injured list. Now healthy, the Sharks must send him to their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda—but only if he clears waivers first.
Last season, Thompson showed flashes of potential in 31 NHL games, tallying 4 goals and 6 assists (10 points). In the AHL, he added 14 points in 27 games. At just [insert age if available], he’s a developmental piece with upside. Yet, the Sharks are risking losing him for nothing. Is this a savvy cap move or a misstep?
Lucas Carlsson: The Underrated Defenseman
Carlsson’s case is equally intriguing. Coming off offseason surgery, he was labeled day-to-day for most of camp but is finally ready to play. Like Thompson, he’ll start in the AHL unless claimed.
Last year, Carlsson quietly impressed in limited NHL action (4 points in 13 games) and dominated the AHL with 23 points in 45 games. His two-way game could be a steal for a team needing blue-line depth. Yet, the Sharks seem willing to gamble. Are they underestimating his value?
The Bigger Picture: Sharks’ Rocky Start
San Jose is still searching for its first win this season after opening 0-0-2 (yes, they’ve earned two loser points). With a matchup against the powerhouse Carolina Hurricanes next, the pressure is mounting. Waiving two defensemen could signal more roster changes ahead—or is this just a procedural move?
Food for thought: If Thompson or Carlsson gets claimed, will Sharks fans regret it? Or is this a necessary risk in a rebuild? Sound off below!
