Sharks Waive Vincent Iorio, Open Roster Spot for Injured Players

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Vincent Iorio on waivers, creating an opportunity to activate players currently on injured reserve. As of early Friday, the Sharks had a roster of 22 active players and three on injured reserve: forwards Kiefer Sherwood and Philipp Kurashev, along with defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin.

Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky expressed optimism last week regarding the potential return of Mukhamadullin, stating he is “getting closer” to being ready. Warsofsky also mentioned that both Kurashev and Sherwood could return before the conclusion of the team’s road trip, which ends on February 4. All three players are dealing with upper body injuries, impacting the team’s performance.

Iorio, 23, has been a healthy scratch for the last six games, including Thursday’s close 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers. The Sharks initially led 3-0 but allowed three goals in the third period, culminating in a game-winning goal from Zach Hyman in overtime. Iorio joined the Sharks on October 16, after being waived by the Washington Capitals. During his time with San Jose, he recorded three assists in 21 games and averaged 16:30 of ice time, primarily serving as a third-pair defenseman.

The recent string of healthy scratches for Iorio coincides with the return of Vincent Desharnais, who has been active for five consecutive games following a seven-week absence due to an elbow injury. Teams have until Saturday morning to claim the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Iorio. Should he go unclaimed, he is expected to be assigned to the Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL).

The Sharks currently sit with a record of 1-0-1 on their five-game road trip, which continues on Saturday against the Calgary Flames. Following that matchup, they will face the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday and the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. The team looks to improve its standings before the upcoming Olympic break.