BREAKING: Sharks Place Leon Gawanke On Waivers For Contract Termination

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Leon Gawanke on waivers for the purposes of terminating his contract.

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Leon Gawanke on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

Gawanke was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets last summer in exchange for Artemi Knyazev.

Gawanke is an offensive defenseman who wanted to come to San Jose for an opportunity to play NHL minutes. While he hasn't played a single NHL game, he has been productive for the San Jose Barracuda.

In 38 games with the 'Cuda this season, he has eight goals and 19 assists. His 27 points are first among defensemen on the roster.

There was thought that Gawanke wasn't happy with his role with the Winnipeg Jets, and rumors swirled that he wanted to leave North America and play hockey in Europe to continue his development. 

According to San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng, Gawanke intended to sign a contract with the Sharks when he was acquired, changing his mind from his original plan.

"The German defenseman has signed a contract with DEL side Adler Mannheim, but according to agent Claude Lemieux, Gawanke can get out of that contract for an NHL deal by Jul. 15," Peng wrote. "He is signing with the Sharks," Lemieux said via text."

Gawanke stood no chance of making the NHL roster out of training camp. After the team claimed Ty Emberson, there was no way he would force himself onto the roster.

Looking at the Sharks roster today, it seems there is even less of a chance he would get a look in the NHL. With Henry Thrun's emergence, Ty Emberson's impact and Shakir Mukhamadulin getting recalled before Gawanke, San Jose has the defensive depth they want when injuries occur.

Reports are out that Gawanke will be heading back to Germany.

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