Vlasic's Contract is the Worst in NHL
San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic has the worst contract in the NHL.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports - Vlasic's Contract is the Worst in NHLSan Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic has the worst contract in the NHL.
At 36, the veteran defenseman is playing in his 18th season for San Jose. He is the longest-tenured player for Team Teal.
In 2017, GM Doug Wilson signed the blueliner to an 8-year $56 million contract, which includes a full no-movement clause. During the final three years of the contract, Vlasic has a three-team trade list.
Due to the NMC/NTC, Vlasic cannot be sent down, and given his play and $7,000,000 cap hit, he has no trade value.
Against the Nashville Predators last night, San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn benched the former Olympic gold medalist.
"He's gotta be better. He's gotta be harder. He's just gotta be more thorough," Quinn said postgame.
Vlasic's struggles have been emphasized this year. Although he has been on the decline, it seems as though his play has fallen off a cliff.
Including this year, Vlasic's contract still has three years remaining. There is no reason to suggest Vlasic is thinking about retirement with that many years remaining on his contract.
GM Mike Grier is left in a tough spot as Vlasic controls what happens with his career. Grier can't waive him, and Vlasic has to agree to a trade. He can only buy out the remainder of his contract, but that can't be done until after the season.
San Jose decided to keep Mario Ferraro and Tomas Hertl as their only alternate captains. Yes, Vlasic can still be a leader, but if he isn't playing, it worsens the situation.
Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
- Follow Max on Twitter: @Real_Max_Miller
